Cast
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Wesley Snipes
as Detective Harlan Regis
Diane Lane
as Agent Nina Chance
Daniel Benzali
as Agent Nick Spikings
Dennis Miller
as Detective Steve Stengel
Alan Alda
as Jordan
Ronny Cox
as President Jack Neil
Tate Donovan
as Kyle Neil
Tom Wright
as Cooper
Harris Yulin
as General Clark Tully
Diane Baker
as Kitty Neil
Nicholas Pryor
as Paul Moran
Charles Rocket
as Jeffrey
Nigel Bennett
as Burton Cash
Tamara Gorski
as Young Woman in Bar
Douglas O'Keeffe
as Assassin (John Kerry)
Crew
Director
- Dwight H. Little
Producer
- Arnold Kopelson
- Arnon Milchan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Murder at 1600 examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Dwight H. Little 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 1997, 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 Murder at 1600 took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $40.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 422 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Murder at 1600 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mulholland Drive, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Murder at 1600 offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Arlington Road and The Third Man explore similar territory, Murder at 1600 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: April 18, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Revenue: $25,804,707
