Cast
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Diane Keaton
as Anna Dunlop
Liam Neeson
as Leo Cutter
Jason Robards
as W. O. Muth
Ralph Bellamy
as Grandfather Frank
Teresa Wright
as Grandmother Eleanor
James Naughton
as Brian Dunlop
Asia Vieira
as Molly Dunlop
Joe Morton
as Frank Williams
Fred Melamed
as Dr. Payne
Katey Sagal
as Ursula
Margaret Bard
as Aunt Rain
Nancy Beatty
as Anna's Mother
Barry Belchamber
as Anna's Father
Mairon Bennett
as Young Anna Dunlop
Zachary Bennett
as Young Bobby
Crew
Director
- Leonard Nimoy
Producer
- Arne Glimcher
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Good Mother examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Leonard Nimoy brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1988, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Good Mother took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $14.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 157 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 302 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 940 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Good Mother shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Contempt, which focuses more on action than character development, The Good Mother subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ronja Rövardotter and The Silence of the Lambs explore similar territory, The Good Mother stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 4, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $14,000,000
- Revenue: $4,764,606
