Cast
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Crew
Director
- Joseph Merhi
Producer
- Richard Pepin
- Joseph Merhi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Epitaph presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Joseph Merhi 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 1988, 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 Epitaph took approximately 20 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 140 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 975 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: March 25, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
