A Ghostly Tale of Revenge and Racing
‘The Wraith’ is a unique blend of ghost story, drag racing, and a gripping revenge plot. Charlie Sheen stars as the enigmatic, helmet-wearing protagonist who returns as a spirit to avenge his death, systematically eliminating the gang responsible for his demise. The local sheriff attempts to apprehend the mysterious car and its driver, only to realize that capturing this elusive figure is as difficult as catching smoke. Meanwhile, the gang struggles to anticipate and defend against the relentless specter that haunts them, ultimately falling one by one to the Wraith’s lethal methods. It’s hard to feel sympathy for the gang members, as they’re not particularly likable and serve little purpose in the film other than being cannon fodder.
Here are ten intriguing facts about ‘The Wraith’ that you might not have known.
1. The Wraith’s Car Was a Technological Marvel
The Wraith’s car was a real-life design used for the Pace Car of the Indy Car World Series. This technological wonder was featured in the film, with four of these impressive vehicles being used during production.
2. A Tragic Accident Occurred on Set
During the filming of a chase scene, a car overturned, resulting in the injury of one individual and the death of another. This was the only such incident that occurred during the making of the movie.
3. Johnny Depp’s Connection to the Film
Although Johnny Depp didn’t appear in the movie, he was dating someone who was part of the cast at the time. Consequently, he stayed in the same hotel as the rest of the cast during filming.
4. The Wraith’s Weapon of Choice
The firearm used by the Wraith is a real 12-gauge tactical shotgun, capable of being used in both pump and semi-automatic modes. Thanks to its wraparound stock, it can even be fired one-handed.
5. A Rapid Production Schedule
‘The Wraith’ was shot in just under four weeks, likely due to a limited budget. This meant that the production had to be efficient and well-executed to ensure everyone was paid and the movie was completed on time.
6. Familiar Elements from Other Films
The movie features several recognizable elements from other films, such as the moving lights in the sky reminiscent of ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and the road pirates akin to those in ‘Mad Max’.
7. A Plot That Inspired Another Cult Classic
The storyline of ‘The Wraith’ would later be used as the basis for another cult classic, ‘The Crow’.
8. Matching Scars Tell a Story
The scars on Jake’s body match the locations where Jamie was cut and stabbed. This subtle detail requires close attention to notice but adds depth to the film’s narrative.
9. The Wraith’s Iron Bars Disappear After a Kill
There’s no explicit explanation for why the iron bars on the Wraith’s car vanish after a kill, but many viewers have speculated that it symbolizes atonement.
10. The Significance of the Crossroads
The Wraith first appears at a desert crossroads, a location that holds cultural significance in many societies. Crossroads are often believed to be places where one can contact spiritual beings or even make a deal with the devil.
While ‘The Wraith’ may be a relatively simple movie, it offers an entertaining and captivating experience for viewers.
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