Cast
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Wings Hauser
as Carpenter
Lynne Adams
as Alice Jarett
Pierre Lenoir
as Martin Jarett
Barbara Jones
as Rachel
Louise-Marie Mennier
as Laura Bell
Johnny Cuthbert
as Roland
Robert Austern
as Barns
Anthony Ulc
as Landis
Bob Pot
as Farnsworth
Ron Lea
as Sheriff J.J. Johnston
Beverly Murray
as Crazy Woman
Griffith Brewer
as Doctor Flanders
Anne Farquhar
as Nurse
David Gow
as Larry
Jean-Guy Bouchard
as Worker
Crew
Director
- David Wellington
Writer
- Doug Taylor
Producer
- Jack Bravman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Carpenter presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director David Wellington 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 The Carpenter took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 74 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 333 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- 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
While The Carpenter shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike House of Voices, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Carpenter offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Restoration and Twelve Monkeys explore similar territory, The Carpenter 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: August 27, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 29m
