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8MM

Play trailer Poster for 8MM R Released Feb 26, 1999 2h 3m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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24% Tomatometer 84 Reviews 52% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Private detective Tom Welles (Nicolas Cage) lives a normal life with his wife (Catherine Keener) and young daughter, until he receives a startling new case. A widow named Mrs. Christian (Myra Carter) has found what appears to be a snuff film among her late husband's belongings, and she wants Welles to determine if the movie is real or fake. Welles heads to California, where a video store employee (Joaquin Phoenix) helps him infiltrate the dangerous and depraved world of illegal porn movies.
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8MM

8MM

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Critics Consensus

Its sadistic violence is unappealing and is lacking in suspense and mystery.

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Critics Reviews

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Andrew Sarris Observer Mr. Cage has become such a wet-eyed purveyor of moral anguish that he makes Mr. Pitt look calm, cool and collected. Mar 21, 2019 Full Review Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader I can't say I warmed to the results, but I was solidly held for the film's two hours. Sep 17, 2008 Full Review Derek Elley Variety A movie that keeps jumping the gate and finally unravels all over the floor. Jul 22, 2008 Full Review Stephanie Malone Morbidly Beautiful It's a daring, divisive thriller that may not appeal to all viewers thanks to its disturbing themes, but it remains a thought-provoking and intense thriller that has managed to maintain every bit of its devastating impact twenty-five years later. Rated: 5/5 Oct 1, 2024 Full Review Chris Alexander Alexander On Film I believe 8MM to be (Schumacher's) masterpiece and certainly, it's further evidence that Cage is one of the great dramatic screen presences when used properly and when dialing down his patented eccentricities Nov 26, 2020 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Cage himself is rarely convincing in the part of a man in over his head; his dialogue is forced and his anger and rage are almost comical. Rated: 3/10 Sep 9, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Eric D I don't understand how this doesn't score higher in the ratings. I am not a Nicholas Cage fan. Quite the opposite. But this is one movie that I think he is great in. This is a dark ride from start to finish and he is taking you along for the ride. Every character seems a little worse than the one before. It's a look into the underbelly of the worst kinds of pornography and violence and how they blend together. I highly recommend this film, but only if you are ready for what it is. Dark. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/24/25 Full Review Ian S Despite it's subject matter it plays quite cheesy. I did follow the story with interest but there are moments where the production team make hard core pornographers/snuff directors just look a bit Emo. But always nice to hear Aphex Twin. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 01/21/25 Full Review kristin h Yes, Nicholas Cage is insufferable, but I enjoyed this movie in spite of his...whatever the hell he's been doing in every movie since Raising Arizona. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/20/24 Full Review mark g This movie was awesome. Get some critics that got a pair. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/07/24 Full Review Thomas G Underrated movie. The “Machine” was my favorite character… Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/05/24 Full Review Tony S This is a highly disturbing film. Not for the gentle of heart. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 08/25/24 Full Review Read all reviews
8MM

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8MM

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Movie Info

Synopsis Private detective Tom Welles (Nicolas Cage) lives a normal life with his wife (Catherine Keener) and young daughter, until he receives a startling new case. A widow named Mrs. Christian (Myra Carter) has found what appears to be a snuff film among her late husband's belongings, and she wants Welles to determine if the movie is real or fake. Welles heads to California, where a video store employee (Joaquin Phoenix) helps him infiltrate the dangerous and depraved world of illegal porn movies.
Director
Joel Schumacher
Producer
Judy Hofflund, Gavin Polone, Joel Schumacher
Screenwriter
Andrew Kevin Walker
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia TriStar Home Video, Columbia Pictures, United Artists
Production Co
Hofflund/Polone, Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating
R
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 26, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 21, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA)
$36.3M
Runtime
2h 3m
Sound Mix
Surround, SDDS, Dolby Digital
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