Cast
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Powers Boothe
as George T. Edison (voice)
Gregory Smith
as Leo (voice)
Carly Pope
as Zella (voice)
Jay Brazeau
as Captain Samuel Edison (voice)
Scott McNeil
as Batchelor (voice)
Jacqueline Samuda
as Toni / Nirena (voice)
Ben Cotton
as Faraday (voice)
Venus Terzo
as Lotte (voice)
Quinn Lord
as Young Leo (voice)
Aidan Drummond
as Young Faraday (voice) (as Aiden Drummond)
Crew
Director
- Neil Burns
Writer
- George Toles
- Daegan Fryklind
Producer
- Dean English
- David Valleau
- Karen Powell
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Animation/Fantasy/Comedy/Romance/Adventure/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Edison & Leo presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Neil Burns 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 Edison & Leo took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 79 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1861 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Edison & Leo shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Daly City, which focuses more on action than character development, Edison & Leo subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Go North and Follow Me explore similar territory, Edison & Leo 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: September 4, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 19m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $1,000,000
Where to Watch
