Cast
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David Naughton
as Harry Penderecki
Brian O'Halloran
as Jay
Gerry Bednob
as Hanu
Gunnar Hansen
as Krenshaw
Ellen Sandweiss
as Natalie
Vincent Butta
as Bert
Ken Foree
as Carl
Mick Garris
as
Happy Anderson
as Ivan
Betsy Baker
as Gladys
Tom Bambard
as Barry
Francine Bianco Tax
as Librarian
Laura Bozzone
as Audition Girl 2
Keith Bredbenner
as Patrolman 2
Timothy J. Bristoll
as Cameraman / Grim Reaper
Crew
Director
- Stevan Mena
Writer
- Stevan Mena
Producer
- Stevan Mena
- Tom Bambard
- Timothy J. Bristoll
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Brutal Massacre: A Comedy presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Stevan Mena 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 2008, 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 Brutal Massacre: A Comedy took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 65 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Brutal Massacre: A Comedy 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 Worst Ones, which focuses more on action than character development, Brutal Massacre: A Comedy offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hostel and The Rules of Attraction explore similar territory, Brutal Massacre: A Comedy stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: July 22, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
