Written by Denyse Overstreet
Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
Are you a fan of thrilling creature features? If so, you’re in for a treat with the 1980 film “Alligator.” Directed by Lewis Teague, this cult classic takes viewers on a heart-pounding journey through the sewers of Chicago, where a giant mutated alligator wreaks havoc on the city. With its blend of horror, suspense, and a touch of humor, “Alligator” has captured the imagination of moviegoers for decades.
In this article, we will dive deep into the fascinating world of “Alligator” and explore 30 intriguing facts about the film. From its origins and production to its memorable moments and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, we’ll cover it all. So get ready to relive the excitement of this cinematic gem and discover some hidden gems along the way!
Key Takeaways:
- “Alligator” is a 1980 horror film featuring a giant mutated alligator wreaking havoc. It combines horror, humor, and social commentary, captivating audiences with its thrilling storyline and impressive special effects.
- The movie’s success led to two sequels and inspired a resurgence of creature feature films in the 1980s. Its legacy continues to captivate new audiences, solidifying its place in cult movie history.
Alligator is a horror film released in 1980.
Directed by Lewis Teague, this thrilling movie features a giant mutated alligator wreaking havoc on unsuspecting victims.
The movie was inspired by real-life events.
Alligator was inspired by the urban legend of reptiles growing to enormous sizes in the sewers of major cities.
Alligator stars Robert Forster as the main protagonist.
Forster plays the role of David Madison, a detective investigating the mysterious deaths caused by the giant alligator.
The film combines elements of horror and satire.
Alligator not only delivers spine-chilling moments but also offers biting social commentary on corporate greed and environmental destruction.
The alligator in the movie was created using a combination of practical effects and animatronics.
The realistic alligator creature was brought to life by special effects artists who skillfully crafted the menacing reptile.
Alligator was a commercial success.
The movie received positive reviews and performed well at the box office, becoming a cult classic in the horror genre.
The screenplay for Alligator was written by John Sayles.
Sayles, known for his work in independent cinema, infused the script with a clever mix of horror, humor, and social commentary.
Alligator features memorable death scenes.
The movie is known for its graphic and thrilling death sequences, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
The film explores themes of corporate negligence and scientific experimentation gone wrong.
Alligator serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of tampering with nature.
The movie has its fair share of jump scares.
Be prepared for heart-pounding moments that will make you jump out of your seat while watching Alligator.
Alligator pays homage to classic monster movies.
The film’s giant alligator creature is reminiscent of iconic creatures like Godzilla and King Kong.
The movie’s special effects were ahead of its time.
Alligator showcased impressive practical effects that still hold up today, adding to the film’s overall impact.
Alligator features a memorable sewer chase scene.
One of the most thrilling moments in the movie is a tense chase through the dark and claustrophobic sewers.
The film balances suspenseful moments with dark humor.
Alligator cleverly infuses humor into the narrative, providing moments of comic relief amidst the horror.
Alligator spawned two sequels.
The success of the original film led to the creation of Alligator II: The Mutation in 1991 and Alligator Alley in 2000.
The movie’s soundtrack enhances the tension.
The musical score of Alligator adds to the suspenseful atmosphere, intensifying the viewer’s experience.
Alligator received praise for its social commentary.
The film’s underlying critique of corporate greed and environmental destruction resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The alligator in the movie was named Ramón.
The giant reptile was given the name Ramón by the characters in the film, adding a touch of personality to the creature.
Alligator features memorable one-liners.
The film has several quotable lines that have become iconic in the horror genre.
The movie’s success led to a resurgence of creature features in the 1980s.
Alligator played a significant role in revitalizing the popularity of monster movies during that decade.
The film’s tagline is “Beware the jaws that bite, the claws that catch!”
This catchy tagline perfectly captures the thrilling and menacing nature of Alligator.
Alligator has gained a cult following over the years.
Fans of the film admire its unique blend of horror, humor, and social commentary, cementing its place in cult movie history.
The movie’s production team used a combination of practical sets and visual effects to bring the story to life.
Alligator showcases impressive production design that immerses viewers in its gritty and atmospheric world.
Alligator explores the fear of what lurks beneath.
The film taps into the primal fear of unknown creatures hiding in the depths, striking a chord with audiences.
Alligator captivates viewers with its suspenseful pacing.
The film keeps audiences engaged from start to finish, building anticipation with each scene.
The movie’s success inspired other creature feature films.
Alligator paved the way for the creation of similar films like Lake Placid and Anaconda.
Alligator received positive reviews from critics.
The film was praised for its effective blend of horror and social commentary, solidifying its place in cinema history.
The movie’s poster features a menacing alligator emerging from the shadows.
The iconic poster instantly grabs attention and sets the tone for the thrilling experience that awaits viewers.
Alligator remains a must-watch for horror movie enthusiasts.
The film’s unique premise, engaging storyline, and impressive special effects make it a standout in the genre.
The legacy of Alligator lives on.
The movie continues to captivate new audiences, ensuring that its impact will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 30 fascinating facts about the movie Alligator. From its unique storyline to the impressive special effects, this movie has left a lasting impact on the horror genre. Whether you’re a fan of creature features or just looking for an entertaining film, Alligator is certainly worth a watch. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be thrilled by this classic monster flick.
FAQs
Q: When was Alligator released?
A: Alligator was released on July 2, 1980.
Q: Who directed Alligator?
A: The film was directed by Lewis Teague.
Q: Is Alligator based on a true story?
A: While Alligator is not based on a specific true story, it is inspired by urban legends of alligators living in city sewers.
Q: Where was Alligator filmed?
A: Most of the movie was filmed in Los Angeles, California.
Q: Who starred in Alligator?
A: The film starred Robert Forster, Robin Riker, and Michael V. Gazzo.
Q: Is Alligator a horror movie?
A: Yes, Alligator falls under the horror genre, specifically creature/monster horror.
Q: How long is the running time of Alligator?
A: The movie has a running time of approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Q: What is the plot of Alligator?
A: Alligator follows the story of a baby alligator flushed down the toilet as a pet, which grows into a gigantic monster due to exposure to experimental growth hormones.
Q: Is Alligator available to stream online?
A: Alligator is available to stream on various platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video and Google Play Movies.
Q: Did Alligator receive any awards?
A: While Alligator did not receive major awards, it gained a cult following over the years and is considered a cult classic in the horror genre.
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