Cast
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William Devane
as Roy Warner, aka Steve Dupree
Cathy Lee Crosby
as Zoe Owens
Richard Jaeckel
as Det. Dave Mooney
Keenan Wynn
as Sherman 'Sherm' Moss
Warren J. Kemmerling
as Police Captain Speer
Biff Elliot
as Detective Jack Bresler
Jacquelyn Hyde
as De Renzy
Casey Kasem
as Police Pathologist
Vivian Blaine
as Cortney Floyd
John Bloom
as The Dark
Bill Derringer
as Herman Burmeister (as William Derringer)
Jay Lawrence
as Jim, the newscaster
Russ Marin
as Dr. Baranowski
Vernon Washington
as Henry Lydell
John Dresden
as Policeman
Crew
Director
- John "Bud" Cardos
Writer
- Stanford Whitmore
Producer
- John "Bud" Cardos
- Derek Power
- Edward L. Montoro
- Dick Clark
- Igo Kantor
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Dark presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John "Bud" Cardos 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 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Dark took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1933 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 360 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Dark shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Scanners, which focuses more on action than character development, The Dark offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Dead Ringers and The Dentist explore similar territory, The Dark stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 27, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 32m
Where to Watch
