# Cape Fear

> 1991 film directed by Martin Scorsese

**Wikidata**: [Q501995](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q501995)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Fear_(1991_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cape-fear

## Summary
*Cape Fear* is a 1991 psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro and Nick Nolte. It is a remake of the 1962 film of the same name and is notable for its intense performances, particularly by De Niro as the vengeful ex-convict Max Cady.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: November 13, 1991 (United States)
- **Director**: Martin Scorsese
- **Starring**: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis
- **Genre**: Psychological thriller, crime film, neo-noir
- **Production Companies**: Amblin Entertainment, TriBeCa Productions
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 128 minutes
- **Budget**: $35 million
- **Box Office**: $182.29 million worldwide
- **Awards**: Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Actor for Robert De Niro, Best Supporting Actress for Juliette Lewis)
- **Screenplay**: Wesley Strick, based on the 1962 film and the novel *The Executioners* by John D. MacDonald
- **Cinematography**: Freddie Francis
- **Music**: Elmer Bernstein, with additional music by Bernard Herrmann (from the original 1962 film)
- **Editing**: Thelma Schoonmaker
- **Distributor**: Universal Pictures
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1038006
- **IMDb ID**: tt0101540
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 75%
- **Metacritic Score**: 73/100
- **Film Genre Classifications**: Psychological thriller, crime film, neo-noir, drama film, mystery film, gothic film
- **Sitelink Count**: 53 Wikipedia language editions

## FAQs
**What is *Cape Fear* about?**
*Cape Fear* is a psychological thriller about Max Cady, a vengeful ex-convict who seeks revenge on Sam Bowden, the lawyer he believes failed him in court. The film explores themes of obsession, justice, and moral ambiguity, with intense performances by Robert De Niro and Nick Nolte.

**Who directed *Cape Fear*?**
The film was directed by Martin Scorsese, known for his work in crime and drama genres. Scorsese's direction brought a heightened sense of tension and psychological depth to the story.

**Who stars in *Cape Fear*?**
The film stars Robert De Niro as Max Cady, Nick Nolte as Sam Bowden, Jessica Lange as Leigh Bowden, and Juliette Lewis as Danielle Bowden. De Niro's performance as the menacing Cady is particularly notable.

**What awards did *Cape Fear* receive?**
*Cape Fear* was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor for Robert De Niro and Best Supporting Actress for Juliette Lewis. It also received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and cinematography.

**How does *Cape Fear* compare to the original 1962 film?**
The 1991 version of *Cape Fear* is a remake of the 1962 film, which starred Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum. Scorsese's version is more intense and graphic, reflecting modern cinematic styles and sensibilities.

**What is the significance of *Cape Fear* in Martin Scorsese's filmography?**
*Cape Fear* is significant in Scorsese's filmography as it showcases his ability to create suspense and psychological tension. It is also notable for his collaboration with Robert De Niro, a frequent partner in his films.

**What themes does *Cape Fear* explore?**
The film explores themes of revenge, justice, moral ambiguity, and the psychological impact of obsession. It delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of past actions.

## Why It Matters
*Cape Fear* is a significant film in the psychological thriller genre, showcasing Martin Scorsese's mastery of suspense and tension. It is notable for its intense performances, particularly by Robert De Niro, and its exploration of complex themes such as revenge and moral ambiguity. The film's impact on cinema is evident in its critical acclaim, award nominations, and enduring popularity among audiences and critics alike.

## Notable For
- **Intense Performances**: Robert De Niro's portrayal of Max Cady is widely regarded as one of his most menacing and memorable roles.
- **Martin Scorsese's Direction**: The film showcases Scorsese's ability to create suspense and psychological depth, adding to his reputation as a master filmmaker.
- **Academy Award Nominations**: The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, highlighting its critical acclaim and impact.
- **Remake of a Classic**: *Cape Fear* is a remake of the 1962 film, bringing a modern and intense interpretation to the original story.
- **Collaboration with Robert De Niro**: The film is one of several collaborations between Scorsese and De Niro, contributing to their legendary partnership in cinema.
- **Exploration of Dark Themes**: The film delves into themes of revenge, justice, and moral ambiguity, offering a complex and thought-provoking narrative.
- **Critical and Commercial Success**: The film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $182 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from critics.

## Body

### Overview
*Cape Fear* is a 1991 psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a remake of the 1962 film of the same name, which was based on the novel *The Executioners* by John D. MacDonald. The film stars Robert De Niro as Max Cady, a vengeful ex-convict who seeks revenge on Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte), the lawyer he believes failed him in court. The film explores themes of obsession, justice, and moral ambiguity, with intense performances by the cast.

### Production and Release
*Cape Fear* was produced by Amblin Entertainment and TriBeCa Productions, with a budget of $35 million. It was released on November 13, 1991, in the United States and went on to gross over $182 million worldwide. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and cinematography, and was nominated for two Academy Awards.

### Cast and Characters
The film stars Robert De Niro as Max Cady, a menacing ex-convict seeking revenge. Nick Nolte plays Sam Bowden, the lawyer who Cady believes failed him. Jessica Lange portrays Leigh Bowden, Sam's wife, and Juliette Lewis plays Danielle Bowden, their daughter. The cast also includes Joe Don Baker, Robert Mitchum, and Gregory Peck in supporting roles.

### Direction and Cinematography
Martin Scorsese's direction of *Cape Fear* is notable for its intense and suspenseful style. The cinematography by Freddie Francis captures the film's dark and ominous atmosphere, enhancing the psychological tension. The film's visual style and pacing contribute to its status as a classic psychological thriller.

### Music and Soundtrack
The film's score was composed by Elmer Bernstein, with additional music by Bernard Herrmann from the original 1962 film. The soundtrack enhances the film's suspenseful and dramatic moments, adding to the overall impact of the story.

### Critical Reception and Awards
*Cape Fear* received critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise for Robert De Niro's performance and Martin Scorsese's direction. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor for De Niro and Best Supporting Actress for Juliette Lewis. It also received positive reviews from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 75% and a Metacritic score of 73/100.

### Themes and Analysis
The film explores themes of revenge, justice, and moral ambiguity. It delves into the psychological impact of obsession and the consequences of past actions. The complex narrative and character dynamics offer a thought-provoking examination of human nature and the darker aspects of society.

### Legacy and Influence
*Cape Fear* is significant in Martin Scorsese's filmography and the psychological thriller genre. Its intense performances, particularly by Robert De Niro, and its exploration of dark themes have made it a classic in cinema. The film's critical and commercial success, as well as its enduring popularity, highlight its impact on the genre and its lasting influence on audiences and critics.

### Related Works and Collaborations
*Cape Fear* is one of several collaborations between Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, contributing to their legendary partnership in cinema. The film is also notable for its connection to the original 1962 film, bringing a modern and intense interpretation to the classic story. The film's themes and style have influenced subsequent works in the psychological thriller genre.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. Cape Fear. Rotten Tomatoes
3. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101540/releaseinfo/)
4. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101540/releaseinfo)
5. [IMDb](https://m.imdb.com/it/title/tt0101540/releaseinfo/)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101540/parentalguide)
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9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101540/parentalguide/#certificates)
10. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/cape-fear/)
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20. Danish Film Database
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