Special Effects
“Mary Jean is just dying to get in the movies… She's about to get her wish.”
Synopsis
Reality and illusion collide as megalomaniacal filmmaker Chris Neville murders a young would-be actress, then sets about making a feature about the deed, casting the deceased's clueless husband as the patsy, and finding a dead ringer to play the late actress.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Transmission Blu-ray TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2026-03-24
Top Cast
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Zoë Lund
Andrea Wilcox / Elaine Bernstein
Eric Bogosian
Chris Neville
Brad Rijn
Keefe Waterman
Kevin O'Connor
Det. Lt. Philip Delroy
Bill Oland
Det. Vickers
H. Richard Greene
Leon Gruskin
Steven Pudenz
Wiesanthal
Heidi Bassett
Neville's Asst. Director
John Woehrle
Studio Executive
Kitty Summerall
Andrea's Roomate
Kris Evans
Cosmetician
Mike Alpert
Taxi Driver
Larry Cohen
Journalist (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 16, 1984
Wide Cinema Exhibition
May 25, 1986
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Larry Cohen
- Screenplay & Story
- Larry Cohen
- Original Score
- Michael D. Minard
- Original Title
- Special Effects
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 46m
- Production Studios
- Hemdale, New Line Cinema, Larco Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Larry Cohen
Larry Cohen
Michael D. Minard
Paul Glickman
Armond Lebowitz
Paul Kurta, Carter DeHaven
Department Leadership Roster
Larry Cohen
Director
Larry Cohen
Writer
Armond Lebowitz
Editor
Paul Kurta
Producer
Teri Kane
Production Design
Joanne Malkanthene
Costume Design
Paul Glickman
Director of Photography
Michael D. Minard
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Special Effects.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Special Effects.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Effects
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Special Effects about?
Reality and illusion collide as megalomaniacal filmmaker Chris Neville murders a young would-be actress, then sets about making a feature about the deed, casting the deceased's clueless husband as the patsy, and finding a dead ringer to play the late actress.
Who directed Special Effects?
Special Effects was directed by Larry Cohen.
Who stars in Special Effects?
The principal cast of Special Effects includes Zoë Lund, Eric Bogosian, Brad Rijn, Kevin O'Connor, Bill Oland.
When was Special Effects released and how long is it?
Special Effects was released in 1984 with a total runtime of 1h 46m.
Who composed the musical score for Special Effects?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Special Effects was composed by Michael D. Minard.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Special Effects?
Special Effects holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).