Cast
View All
Lori Petty
as Rebecca / Tank Girl
Naomi Watts
as Jet Girl
Malcolm McDowell
as Kesslee
Ice-T
as T-Saint
Jeff Kober
as Booga
Reg E. Cathey
as Deetee
Scott Coffey
as Donner
Don Harvey
as Sgt. Small
Ann Cusack
as Sub Girl
Iggy Pop
as Rat Face
James Hong
as Che'tsai
Richard Schiff
as Trooper in Trench
Mary Ann Hermansen
as Liquid Silver Dancer
Stacy Linn Ramsower
as Sam
Brian Wimmer
as Richard
Crew
Director
- Rachel Talalay
Producer
- Tom Astor
- Pen Densham
- John Watson
- Richard Barton Lewis
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Malcolm McDowell is the megalomanic "Kesslee" who in a post-apocalyptic Earth is determined to control the most important substance left to man. Water. Meantime, a rag-tag collection of miscreants consisting of the eponymous, "Harley Quinn" style character (Lori Petty), "T-Saint" (Ice-T) and "Jet Girl" (Naomi Watts) who are marauding around with a tank and a jet decide together with some angry kangaroos and "Booga" (Jeff Kober) that vengeance will be their's. What now ensues is a really derivative, repetitive and frankly rather dull semi-animated action adventure that rehashes just about every theme in the book and over-relies on the characterisations that are seriously under-delivered by a cast that are simply not up to the task. McDowell just hams it up the whole time and the dialogue is beyond banal. Rachel Talalay could have done so much more with the sort of "Mad Max" elements of the story, but instead allows this to just drift into a puerile, attitudinal, drama that offers little to engage and a suite of visual effects that we have seen loads of times before. There's a brief appearance from Iggy Pop and the "rippers" bring a certain, welcome, randomness to this otherwise really rather uninspiring flop. Sorry, but I wouldn't bother if I were you.
Apr 14, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Comedy/Science Fiction/Fantasy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Tank Girl distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Rachel Talalay 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 1995, 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 Tank Girl took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1995, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Tank Girl 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 Ordinaries, which focuses more on action than character development, Tank Girl offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Rage: Carrie 2 and Sahara explore similar territory, Tank Girl stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: March 31, 1995
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Revenue: $4,064,495
