Event Horizon (1997)

Director:

Paul W.S. Anderson

Writer (WGA):

Philip Eisner (written by)

Release Date:

15 August 1997 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Tagline:

Infinite Space - Infinite Terror

Plot:

A rescue crew investigates a spaceship that disappeared into a black hole and has now returned...with someone or something new on-board.

Plot Keywords:

Black Hole | Scalpel | Self Mutilation | Insanity | Mythology

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Laurence Fishburne	...	Captain Miller
Sam Neill	...	Dr. William Weir
Kathleen Quinlan	...	Peters, Med Tech
Joely Richardson	...	Lt. Starck
Richard T. Jones	...	Cooper
Jack Noseworthy	...	Justin
Jason Isaacs	...	D.J.
Sean Pertwee	...	Smith
Peter Marinker	...	Captain John Kilpack
Holley Chant	...	Claire
Barclay Wright	...	Denny Peters
Noah Huntley	...	Burning Man / Edward Corrick
Robert Jezek	...	Rescue 1 Technician

Also Known As:

The Stars My Destination (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence and gore, language and some nudity.

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English | Latin

Color:

Color (Rankcolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:M18 | USA:R (certificate #34953) | Iceland:16 | Finland:K-16 (1998) | Finland:K-18 (1997) | France:-12 | Sweden:15 (video rating) | South Korea:18 | Philippines:R-18 | Brazil:16 | Australia:MA | Belgium:KNT | Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Ontario) | Germany:16 | Ireland:18 | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R18 | Norway:18 | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:13 | UK:18

Filming Locations:

Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage, Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company:

Golar Productions

Trivia:

Having just done a PG-13 movie, Mortal Kombat (1995), Paul W.S. Anderson was very keen to do something more adult and gruesome. This was why he turned down the chance to direct X-Men (2000).

Goofs:

Factual errors: When we first see the Event Horizon, it floats among clouds. No object can remain in orbit within any atmosphere. While Neptune's gravity is 1.19 times Earth's gravity, the near-supersonic winds of the atmosphere would make navigation difficult and a mere orbit near-impossible.

Quotes:

Miller: Okay, Dr. Weir. You don't want to leave your ship? You never will.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Sunshine (2007)

Soundtrack:

Funky Shit

Hell's Horizon

'Event Horizon' is very much an atmospheric sci-fi horror. It does not rely on gore (although there is enough of that) but rather it is the creepy atmosphere that engages the viewer. Andersen successfully creates a tense, depressing, and claustrophobic atmosphere. The suspense and pace are well maintained. It pays tribute to several movies of the same genre (like 'The Shining', 'Aliens' etc). Character development is slightly weak but the actors do a good job and the viewer cares for them. Sam Neill, Laurence Fishburne, Kathleen Quinlan, Joely Richardson, Richard Jones and Jason Isaacs do a fine job with what they're given. The sets look very unwelcoming and creepy. The special effects and sound effects are good. The cinematography is superb. The plot is a little complex and difficult to follow in the beginning leaving the viewer wondering with what exactly is going on but this becomes easier with repeated viewings. In my view, 'Event Horizon' is an underrated film and perhaps did not get enough recognition because it did not have any stars or enough 'monsters' and 'blood' or perhaps the subject was a little too complex for some to grasp.