Cast
View AllAndy Serkis
as Dr. Adrian King
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
as Donald Clarke
Michael McElhatton
as James Clarke
Sharon Horgan
as Renata Clarke
Aisling Loftus
as Shelly
Ronan Raftery
as Jeff
Sean Duggan
as Teacher
Enda Oates
as English Teacher
Emma Eliza Regan
as Morna
Jessica Schwarz
as Tanya
Lilly Forgách
as Shrink #1
Ian Fitzgibbon
as Shrink #2
Ben Harding
as Michael
Killian Coyle
as Hugo
Andrea Thompson
as Sharon
Crew
Director
- Ian Fitzgibbon
Producer
- Astrid Kahmke
- Philipp Kreuzer
- Michael Garland
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Death of a Superhero examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ian Fitzgibbon 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2011, 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 Death of a Superhero took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1427 individual shots.
- 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 2011, 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 Death of a Superhero shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Squatters, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Death of a Superhero offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Boiler Room and Ploy explore similar territory, Death of a Superhero 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: May 4, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $3
Where to Watch

