Special Effects
1984, English. Directed by Larry Cohen.
Mary Jean is just dying to get in the movies… She's about to get her wish.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 46m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Snoozefest
Your time is worth more.
4.9/10 from 51 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Special Effects
Special Effects is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, and MGM+ in India.
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 31 October 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Larry CohenDirector
- Zoë LundAndrea Wilcox / Elaine Bernstein
- Eric BogosianChris Neville
- Brad RijnKeefe Waterman
- Kevin O'ConnorDet. Lt. Philip Delroy
- Bill OlandDet. Vickers
- H. Richard GreeneLeon Gruskin
- Steven PudenzWiesanthal
- Heidi BassettNeville's Asst. Director
- John WoehrleStudio Executive
- Kitty SummerallAndrea's Roomate
- Kris EvansCosmetician
- Mike AlpertTaxi Driver
Details
- Released
- 16 November 1984
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Larry Cohen
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Special Effects: quick answers
Is Special Effects worth watching?
Our verdict is Snoozefest: Your time is worth more. It scores 4.9/10 from 51 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Special Effects?
Special Effects runs 106 minutes (1h 46m).
Does Special Effects have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Special Effects. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Special Effects parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Special Effects is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Special Effects on?
Special Effects is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, and MGM+ in India. (Checked 31 October 2026.)
What movies are like Special Effects?
If you liked Special Effects, try Eyes of a Stranger, Deadline, Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker.
Who directed Special Effects?
Special Effects (1984) was directed by Larry Cohen and stars Zoë Lund, Eric Bogosian, Brad Rijn.