Cast
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Daniel Pilon
as Dr. Bill Fuller
Kate Reid
as Dr. Jessica Morgan
Céline Lomez
as Margo Simar
Michael J. Reynolds
as Dr. Dave McKay
Brenda Donohue
as Dr. Celia Graham, Bill's Associate
Jonah Royston
as Dr. Allen Saunders, Public Health Officer
Barbara Gordon
as Joan Fuller
Jack Van Evera
as Man with Margo
Trevor Rose
as Roger
Renata Bosacki
as Jill
Michael Donaghue
as Guard #1
Joseph Golland
as Dr. Liebowitz
Alan Haberfield
as Epileptic
Linda Kemp
as Woman in London Hospital
John Kerr
as Escaping Guard
Crew
Director
- Ed Hunt
Writer
- Barry Pearson
- Ed Hunt
Producer
- Barry Pearson
- Ed Hunt
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. Plague presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Ed Hunt 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 Plague took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Plague shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Omega Man, which focuses more on action than character development, Plague offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Blindness and Faust explore similar territory, Plague 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: January 26, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 28m
