Cast
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Jessica Biel
as Julia Denning
Jodelle Ferland
as Jenny
Stephen McHattie
as Lt Dodd
Jakob Davies
as David
William B. Davis
as Sheriff Chestnut
Samantha Ferris
as Tracy
Colleen Wheeler
as Mrs. Johnson
Eve Harlow
as Christine
Janet Wright
as Trish
Ferne Downey
as Lady / Mrs. Parker Leigh
John Mann
as Douglas
Teach Grant
as Steven
Garwin Sanford
as Robert
Lucas Myers
as Deputy Campbell
Pat Henman
as Nurse at Police Infirmary
Crew
Director
- Pascal Laugier
Writer
- Pascal Laugier
Producer
- Kevin DeWalt
- Jean-Charles Levy
- Clément Miserez
- Scott Kennedy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Tall Man presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Pascal Laugier brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Tall Man took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 55 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Tall Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Stranger Is Watching, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Tall Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Reckless and Speak No Evil explore similar territory, The Tall Man stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 19, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Budget: $18,200,000
Where to Watch
