Cast
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Katharine Isabelle
as Ginger Fitzgerald
Emily Perkins
as Brigitte Fitzgerald
Kris Lemche
as Sam
Mimi Rogers
as Pamela Fitzgerald
Jesse Moss
as Jason McCardy
Danielle Hampton
as Trina Sinclair
John Bourgeois
as Henry Fitzgerald
Peter Keleghan
as Mr. Wayne
Christopher Redman
as Ben
Jimmy MacInnis
as Tim
Lucy Lawless
as Announcer on School's PA System (Uncredited)
Lindsay Leese
as Nurse Ferry
Wendii Fulford
as Ms. Sykes
Ho Pak-Kwong
as Janitor
Nick Nolan
as Creature / Gingerwolf
Crew
Director
- John Fawcett
Writer
- Karen Walton
Producer
- Steven Hoban
- Karen Lee Hall
Reviews
Wuchak
***Melancholy, foul (but amusing) werewolf flick in the suburbs of Toronto with Katharine Isabelle***
Two Goth-ish sisters in the burbs of Ontario are outcasts at their school and obsessed with death. Redhead Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) is hot and blunt while Brigette (Emily Perkins) is mousey. When the former gets bit by an evident werewolf she slowly starts morphing and it changes the siblings’ lives forever. Kris Lemche and Jesse Moss are on hand as the dudes in the girls’ lives while Mimi Rogers plays the seemingly oblivious mother.
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) takes place in the Fall and there’s a gloomy pall with constant F-bombs (mostly from Ginger), but an edge of black humor. The blithe mother, for instance, is amusing. There are similarities to “The Rage: Carrie 2” (1999), but it’s nowhere near as effective. The set-up is good, but the story starts to drag from there and the suburban locations are disagreeably one-dimensional. Katharine Isabelle is the sole feminine interest, but Perkins plays a somewhat interesting character. Meanwhile Lemche’s Sam is notable as the unexpectedly gallant pot-pusher.
The film runs 1 hour, 47 minutes and was shot in suburbs of Toronto (Brampton, Mississauga & Markham).
GRADE: B-/C+
May 13, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Fantasy/Horror/Drama/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Ginger Snaps presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John Fawcett 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 2000, 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 Ginger Snaps took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 354 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2000, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ginger Snaps 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 Omen, which focuses more on action than character development, Ginger Snaps subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Se7en and Shrek 2 explore similar territory, Ginger Snaps 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: December 11, 2000
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Budget: $5,000,000
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