Black Rainbow (1989)
A chilling supernatural thriller in which a medium's visions of murder put her life in terrifying danger.
Black Rainbow - Movie Information
- Original Title: Black Rainbow
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Mike Hodges
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Horror
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 5, 1989 (United States - R), March 22, 1990 (Germany - 16)
- Alternative Titles: Schwarzer Regenbogen (DE)
- Production Companies: Goldcrest
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Black Rainbow - Plot
Martha Travis is a medium who makes contact with spirits "on the other side" and connects them with their loved ones still alive, in public performances. Trouble begins when she gives a message to Mary Kuron from her husband, Tom. But Tom isn't dead... yet. And Martha not only knows he will die, she also knows who killed him. And the murderer knows she knows...
Black Rainbow - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the supernatural suspense unfold:
She has just witnessed a murder that hasn't happened yet.
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Black Rainbow - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mike Hodges
Main Cast
- Rosanna Arquette
- Jason Robards
- Tom Hulce
- Mark Joy
- Ron Rosenthal
- John Bennes
- Linda Pierce
- Olek Krupa
- Marty Terry
- Ed Grady
Writers
- Mike Hodges
Producers
- John Quested
- Geoffrey Helman
Black Rainbow - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Black Rainbow?
Black Rainbow stars Rosanna Arquette as Martha Travis, a traveling medium, alongside Jason Robards as her father and manager Walter Travis, and Tom Hulce as Gary Wallace, a journalist investigating her claims. The supporting cast includes Mark Joy, Ron Rosenthal, Linda Pierce, and Olek Krupa.
What is Black Rainbow about?
Black Rainbow follows Martha Travis, a stage medium who begins delivering eerily accurate messages from the dead — including one from a man who hasn't died yet. When she foresees a murder before it occurs, she becomes a target. The film blends supernatural dread with Southern Gothic atmosphere and a slow-burn thriller narrative.
Does Black Rainbow have a twist ending?
Yes. Black Rainbow builds toward an ambiguous, haunting conclusion that deliberately blurs the line between genuine psychic ability and performance. The film's ending leaves viewers questioning the nature of Martha's gift and the cost of her visions, making it a subject of ongoing discussion among fans of supernatural cinema.
Is Black Rainbow based on a true story?
No, Black Rainbow is not based on a true story. Writer-director Mike Hodges crafted an original screenplay exploring themes of precognition, exploitation, and moral complicity. However, the film draws on real cultural anxieties around faith healing, traveling spiritualist shows, and the American South's complex relationship with the supernatural.
Where can I stream or watch Black Rainbow?
Black Rainbow is available to stream on Midnight Pulp and Cineverse with ads. It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
What is the age rating for Black Rainbow?
Black Rainbow is rated R in the United States, making it suitable for adult audiences only. The film contains mature themes including violence, psychological horror, and scenes of a disturbing supernatural nature. Viewer discretion is advised for younger audiences.
How long is Black Rainbow?
Black Rainbow has a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes (103 minutes). The film's measured pace is a deliberate stylistic choice by director Mike Hodges, allowing tension and atmosphere to build gradually rather than relying on conventional horror set pieces.
Who directed Black Rainbow and who wrote it?
Black Rainbow was both written and directed by Mike Hodges, the British filmmaker best known for Get Carter (1971) and Flash Gordon (1980). Hodges crafted an original screenplay that reflects his interest in moral ambiguity and genre subversion, giving the film a distinctly literary and atmospheric quality.
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