Cast
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Corbin Bernsen
as Dr. Alan Feinstone
Linda Hoffman
as Brooke Feinstone
Michael Stadvec
as Matt
Ken Foree
as Detective Gibbs
Tony Noakes
as Detective Sunshine
Molly Hagan
as Jessica
Patty Toy
as Karen
Jan Hoag
as Candy
Virginya Keehne
as Sarah
Earl Boen
as Marvin Goldblum
Christa Sauls
as April Reign
Mark Ruffalo
as Steve Landers
Lise Simms
as Paula Roberts
Joanne Baron
as Mrs. Saunders
Christopher Kriesa
as Mr. Schaeffer
Crew
Director
- Brian Yuzna
Producer
- Pierre David
Reviews
JPV852
Not the movie to watch before visiting the dentist. Not the strongest script but the horror elements were great and Corbin Bersen was a lot of fun, a stark contrast to his roles on L.A. Law and Psych. **3.0/5**
Feb 19, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Dentist presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Brian Yuzna 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 1996, 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 The Dentist took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.7 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 304 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Dentist shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Final Destination, which focuses more on action than character development, The Dentist subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Red Dragon and Scanners explore similar territory, The Dentist 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: June 7, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Budget: $700,000
Where to Watch
