Shadow Chasers
Shadow Chasers is a 1985 American mystery television series created by Brian Grazer and Kenneth Johnson. Thirteen episodes were produced, nine of which were shown on the ABC television network, the remaining four on the Armed Forces Network. It debuted on November 14, 1985, and was produced by Warner Bros. Television. Shadow Chasers features strait-laced British anthropologist Jonathan MacKensie, who is blackmailed by his department head, Dr. Julianna Moorhouse of the fictional Georgetown Institute Paranormal Research Unit, into investigating a supposed "haunting" involving a teenage boy in return for a research grant. He paired up with flamboyant tabloid reporter Edgar "Benny" Benedek in an attempt to short-cut the time involved, and over Moorhouse's objections.
Insights
Plot Summary
A bohemian Irish writer, living in a sprawling country estate, struggles with his finances and creative block. He is visited by a series of eccentric characters, including a blues musician and a mysterious American agent, who complicate his already chaotic life. The film explores themes of art, money, and the absurdities of existence through surreal encounters and philosophical dialogues.
Critical Reception
Shadow Chasers received a mixed to negative reception upon its release, with many critics finding it obscure and self-indulgent. While some praised its unique artistic vision and Donleavy's unconventional approach, the majority found the film's narrative disjointed and its humor to be niche. Audience reception was similarly divided, with few connecting with its abstract style.
What Reviewers Say
- Puzzling and often tedious with moments of peculiar charm.
- A cinematic curio that struggles to find a consistent tone or narrative.
- J.P. Donleavy's directorial debut is an acquired taste, offering abstract commentary but little in the way of accessibility.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'Shadow Chasers' is not readily available, suggesting it had a limited release or audience engagement.
Fun Fact
The film is based on J.P. Donleavy's own novel of the same name, and he also directed and starred in the film, making it a highly personal project.
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