Cast
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Director
- E. Elias Merhige
Producer
- E. Elias Merhige
Reviews
Cyberknight
Making use of low quality film to give the images a pretentious artistic look (and hide the low budget make-up and practical effects) doesn't work if there is no good plot to hold them together. It's a hard to watch film, because of the low quality, not because of the imagery. Boring through and through.
Sep 22, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Fantasy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Begotten presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director E. Elias Merhige 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 1991, 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 Begotten took approximately 23 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 72 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2040 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 274 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1991, 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 Begotten shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Picture of Unhealth, which focuses more on action than character development, Begotten offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Donnie Darko explore similar territory, Begotten 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: June 5, 1991
- Runtime: 1h 12m
- Budget: $33,000
