Cast
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Pier Angeli
as Susan Lowry
Kerwin Mathews
as Dr. Rick Torres
Jeff Morrow
as Dr. John Willard
David Essex
as Davido
Jerome Guardino
as Johnny Caruso
Robert Warner
as Steve Dodd
Norman Fields
as Mort Stein
Jax Jason Carroll
as Dr. Jameson
Wally Rose
as Carlos
Buck Kartalian
as Raul
Richard Cohen
as Enrique
Samuel Peloso
as Pedro
Read Morgan
as The Octaman
Crew
Director
- Harry Essex
Producer
- Michael Kraike
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. Octaman presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Harry Essex 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 1971, 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 Octaman took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.3 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 76 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 105 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 48 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1971, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- 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 Octaman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike War of the Worlds, which focuses more on action than character development, Octaman subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mars Attacks! and Blade Runner explore similar territory, Octaman 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: November 3, 1971
- Runtime: 1h 16m
- Budget: $250,000
Where to Watch
