Cast
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Lindsay Wagner
as Dr. Hannah Cole
Elizabeth Peña
as Det. Luisa Rojas
Ken Pogue
as George Ryburn
Brendan Fletcher
as Brian
Tom Wopat
as Sam
Alexandra Purvis
as Julie
Matt Hill
as Carl Freedman
Gerard Plunkett
as Sklar
Johnny Cuthbert
as Vic
Bill Croft
as Gerard
Jed Rees
as Doug Lamoreaux
Karen Elizabeth Austin
as Norma Meyers
P. Lynn Johnson
as Jamie West
David Lovgren
as Flight Attendant Tom Carlen
Jim Smith
as Ben Winorski
Crew
Director
- Joe Napolitano
Writer
- Sandy Kroopf
Producer
- Mary Eilts
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Contagious 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 Joe Napolitano 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 Contagious took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 160 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1929 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- 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 Contagious shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Embers, which focuses more on action than character development, Contagious subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Goodbye, Raggedy Ann and Spaceship to the Unknown explore similar territory, Contagious stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: January 22, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 43m
