Cape Fear

Cape Fear

Year: 1962

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: J. Lee Thompson

DramaThrillerHorror

A vengeful convict, freed after eight years behind bars, fixates on a lawyer who helped put him away. As the stalker's malevolent presence closes in on Sam and his family, they're forced into a desperate struggle for survival. But when the law fails to provide relief, Sam must confront the darkness head-on and take drastic measures to reclaim control of his life.

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Timeline & Setting – Cape Fear (1962)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Cape Fear (1962). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Although the exact time period is not specified, the events of Cape Fear suggest a contemporary setting reflecting the issues and cultural dynamics of the era in which it was made. The portrayal of law enforcement and the justice system hints at societal concerns of the time.

Location

Cape Fear River

The Cape Fear River is a significant waterway located in North Carolina, known for its serene beauty and rich history. It offers a picturesque backdrop for various activities and has often been depicted as a symbol of danger and tension in storytelling.

🏞️ River 🌊 Scenic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

Main Characters – Cape Fear (1962)
Meet the key characters of Cape Fear (1962), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck)

Sam Bowden is a determined and protective father, willing to go to great lengths to ensure his family's safety. Portrayed as both a man of law and ethics, his struggle against Max Cady reveals his moral conflict as he navigates fear and desperation.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family 🛡️ Protector 🔍 Justice

Max Cady (Robert Mitchum)

Max Cady is a menacing and cunning ex-convict who embodies psychological manipulation and raw, unyielding vengeance. His ominous presence and knowledge of the law make him a formidable adversary, inciting fear within Sam and his family.

😈 Antagonist ⚔️ Menace 📖 Law

Peggy Bowden

Peggy is Sam Bowden's supportive yet increasingly anxious wife, who grapples with the stress of their family's situation. Her desire for safety and nagging fear illustrate the emotional toll the stalking has taken on her and her loved ones.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Support 😟 Worry 🏠 Home

Nancy Bowden

Nancy is the young daughter of Sam and Peggy, representing innocence caught in the crossfire of adult conflicts. Her safety becomes a focal point of the family's terror, and her character emphasizes the stakes involved in the escalating threat.

👧 Innocence 🔦 Vulnerability 🚨 Danger

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

Major Themes – Cape Fear (1962)
Explore the central themes of Cape Fear (1962), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a central theme in Cape Fear, as the protagonist struggles to protect his family from a vindictive ex-con. The film explores the limitations of the legal system and raises questions about the morality of taking the law into one’s own hands.

😨 Fear

Fear permeates the film, primarily through Sam Bowden's growing anxiety over his family's safety. The relentless stalking by Max Cady reflects deep-seated fears of vulnerability and the psychological torment that follows.

💔 Family

The value and vulnerability of family is a poignant theme in Cape Fear. As Sam and his family face escalating threats, their bonds are tested, highlighting the lengths a parent will go to protect their loved ones from harm.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

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