Flatliners is an American horror film of the paranormal thriller and science fiction subgenres. It was directed by Joel Schumacher with a script written by Peter Filardi. It was produced by Columbia Pictures and released theatrically in the United States on August 10th, 1990. The film stars Kiefer Sutherland as Nelson Wright, Julia Roberts as Rachel Mannis, Kevin Bacon as David Labraccio, William Baldwin as Joe Hurley, and Oliver Platt as Randy Steckle. The premise of the film involves four med school students who engage in staged near-death experiences, which opens up doorways into their own past. They discover however, that unlocking these haunted memories, brings the sins of the past into the present.
The movie was filmed in Chicago, Illinois. It is possible that Chicago may also be the setting for the film as well.
Over its opening weekend, Flatliners grossed $10 million on 1,319 screens for an average of $7,608 per screen and the number 1 spot. [2]
Though generally considered a respectable sci-fi thriller, that has enjoyed moderately positive reviews from film critics, it only ranks a 48% "Rotten" rating on the film aggregate review site Rotten Tomatoes. The total is based on 42 reviews, only 20 of which gave it a "Fresh" rating. [3]
There are a total fifty-two credited cast members in this film. According to IMDB, actors Shauna O'Brien, Ted Otis, Marie-Alise Recasner and Amy Rochelle make uncredited appearances in the film in bit roles.
This is Joel Schumacher's sixth major film credit as a director, and his second film in the horror genre. He also directed the popular vampire film The Lost Boys in 1987.
This is actress Julia Roberts' first work in the horror genre. Julia came into the movie scene in the mid 1980s, but it was her role as street walker Vivan Harmon in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman, that shot her into super-stardom. In the horror genre, Julia would go on to play the titular role of Mary Reilly in the 1996Stephen Frears film Mary Reilly.
Actor Lucas Till, who has appeared in episodes of Fear Clinic and films such as Laid to Rest, was born on the same day that Flatliners was first released to theaters.
↑"'Flatliners' Leads Lively Box Office : Movies: Young audience helps medical drama and Gibson's 'Air America' shoot down Nicholson's 'Two Jakes.'"; Los Angeles Times; August 14th, 1990.
