Cast
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Jack Hedley
as Lt. Fred Williams
Almanta Suska
as Fay Majors
Howard Ross
as Mickey Scellenda
Andrea Occhipinti
as Peter Bunch
Alexandra Delli Colli
as Jane Forrester Lodge
Paolo Malco
as Dr. Paul Davis
Cinzia de Ponti
as Rosie
Cosimo Cinieri
as Dr. Lodge
Daniela Doria
as Kitty
Babette New
as Mrs. Weissburger
Zora Kerova
as Eva
Antone Pagán
as Morales
Josh Cruze
as Chico
Rita Silva
as Scellenda's Landlady
Giordano Falzoni
as Dr. Barry Jones
Crew
Director
- Lucio Fulci
Producer
- Fabrizio De Angelis
- Antone Pagán
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Crime/Thriller/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The New York Ripper presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lucio Fulci 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 1982, 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 New York Ripper took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 294 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The New York Ripper shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which focuses more on action than character development, The New York Ripper subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Sand Trap and Corps et âmes explore similar territory, The New York Ripper 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: March 4, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to Watch
