Cast
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Steve Railsback
as Det. Jim Bishop
Gwynyth Walsh
as Dr. Rachel Carson
John Vernon
as Roger Levering
Joe Flaherty
as George Baker
Robin Duke
as Sandra Baker
Susan Anspach
as Dr. Judith Glass
Don Lake
as Elliot Jacobs
Helen Hughes
as Marwella
Sandy Webster
as Fred
Joy Coghill
as Dede Wilkens
Ivan E. Roth
as The Creature
Bill Lake
as Paramedic
Peter Van Wart
as Oscar Willets
Don Ritchie
as Orderly #1
Stuart Stone
as Joey
Crew
Director
- William Fruet
Writer
- George Goldsmith
- Chris Koseluk
Producer
- Martin Walters
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. Blue Monkey presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director William Fruet 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 1987, 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 Blue Monkey took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 272 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Blue Monkey shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest, which focuses more on action than character development, Blue Monkey offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering and Carriers explore similar territory, Blue Monkey stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: September 25, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 36m
