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State of Emergency

State of Emergency (2012)

Sep 17, 2012 1h 30m Science Fiction Thriller

Chaos consumes a small town when a chemical facility explodes releasing a deadly toxin. Moments after the leak, the town's residents show signs of mutation, causing the military to quarantine the area leaving any survivors helpless and trapped inside. The story follows Jim, a young man isolated within the red zone, as he eludes flesh eating zombies in an attempt to win back his freedom.

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Directed by Turner Clay

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Turner Clay
Writer
  • Turner Clay

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Thematic Analysis

As a science fiction narrative, State of Emergency explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.

Director Turner Clay 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 2012, 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 State of Emergency took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $1.3 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1645 individual shots.
  • The costume department created over 349 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2012, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While State of Emergency shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike King Kong vs. Godzilla, which focuses more on action than character development, State of Emergency subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Re-Animator and Con Air explore similar territory, State of Emergency 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: September 17, 2012
  • Runtime: 1h 30m
  • Budget: $1,300,000