The Trigger Effect (1996)

How tenuous is man's hold on civilization when survival becomes an issue? When the lights go out and stay out for several days, suburbanites Matthew and Annie learn the hard way that man is... See full summary »

Director:

David Koepp

Writers:

James Burke (television series Connections), David Koepp

Stars:

Kyle MacLachlan, Elisabeth Shue, Dermot Mulroney

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kyle MacLachlan	...	Matthew
Elisabeth Shue	...	Annie Kay
Dermot Mulroney	...	Joe
Richard T. Jones	...	Raymond
Bill Smitrovich	...	Steph
Michael Rooker	...	Gary
Tori Kristiansen	...	Sarah
Tyra Kristiansen	...	Sarah
Rick Worthy	...	Johnny
Edhem Barker	...	Trendy German Guy
Tyrone Tann	...	Tripping Guy
David O'Donnell	...	Hand Holding Guy
Monica Torres	...	Hand Holding Girl
Greg Grunberg	...	Double Date Guy
Kerri Vickers	...	Double Date Girl

Storyline

How tenuous is man's hold on civilization when survival becomes an issue? When the lights go out and stay out for several days, suburbanites Matthew and Annie learn the hard way that man is "by nature" a predatory creature. Matthew's long-time friend, Joe, happens by on the second day and a rivalry between the two friends simmers as Annie cares for her sick baby. When rumors of looting spread through the neighborhood, the two men buy a rifle for protection but Annie throws it in the pool. Later, that same night, Joe hears a prowler downstairs and awakens Matthew. They chase the stranger from the house and out into the street where a neighbor shoots him to death. No longer safe in their own home, they decide to drive to Annie's parents some 500 miles away. Before they reach their destination, more trouble comes their way when they stop to siphon gas from an abandoned car and discover the driver in the back seat... Is this what is meant by "man's inhumanity to man?"

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Plot Keywords:

neighbor | house | disaster | black bra | cheating wife | 

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Taglines:

When Nothing Works, Anything Goes.

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 August 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der große Stromausfall - Eine Stadt im Ausnahmezustand

Filming Locations:

Los Alamitos, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$1,887,791 (USA) (30 August 1996)

Gross:

$3,594,848 (USA) (27 September 1996)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amblin Entertainment, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The story is inspired by the classic Twilight Zone episode "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street," which depicts the denizens of the street slowly becoming crazy after a power failure. In fact, in the film's production notes, Matthew and Annie live on the corner of Maple and Willoughby (another classic TZ episode, "A Stop At Willoughby"), obvious allusions to "The Twilight Zone".

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Goofs

While walking up the driveway at the very end, the Steadicam operator and the boom operator are clearly visible in a reflection from the Volvo's trunk lid.

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Quotes

Joe: The Martians have landed. They want our women.

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Connections

References Twilight Zone (1959)

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Soundtracks

"Futureshock"
Composed & Arranged by Greg DeBelles
Performed & Produced by Greg DeBelles
Courtesy of Klektik Music

User Reviews

A movie so bad my wife threatened divorce

I love Elizabeth Shue. Once I saw her on the cover of the video box, I had to get this film. But my wife said that if I ever rent such a "senseless, pointless, useless waste of two hours" again, I'll have to find a new wife to watch it with.