Cast
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Paul Gross
as Daniel Howl
Maury Chaykin
as Desmond Howl
Jennifer Dale
as Fay Ginzburg-Howl
Cynthia Preston
as Claire Lowe (as Cyndy Preston)
Kenneth Welsh
as Kenneth Sexstone
Blu Mankuma
as Mookie Saunders
Alan Jordan
as Sal Goneau
Tom Lavin
as Monty Mann
Jim Byrnes
as Dewey Moore
Deborah Duchêne
as Bobby Sue
Paul Quarrington
as Pete the Bartender
Janne Mortil
as Star
Suzanne Ristic
as Monty's Wife
Roman Podhora
as Prison Guard
Sherry Wong
as Groupie #1
Crew
Director
- Richard J. Lewis
Writer
- Paul Quarrington
- Richard J. Lewis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Whale Music 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 Richard J. Lewis 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 1994, 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 Whale Music took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 482 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1994, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Whale Music shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tootsie, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Whale Music subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Guy Thing and Daniel, the Wizard explore similar territory, Whale Music stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 3, 1994
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Revenue: $39,129
