Cast
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Matthew Modine
as Dennis Dearborn
Eric Stoltz
as Danny Daly
Tate Donovan
as Luke Sinclair
D. B. Sweeney
as Phil Lowenthal
Billy Zane
as Val Kozlowski
Sean Astin
as Richard "Rascal" Moore
Harry Connick Jr.
as Clay Busby
Bradley Lavelle
as Sergeant
Reed Diamond
as Virgil Hoogesteger
Courtney Gains
as Eugene McVey
Neil Giuntoli
as Jack Bocci
David Strathairn
as Craig Harriman
John Lithgow
as Bruce Derringer
Jane Horrocks
as Faith
Ben Browder
as Rookie Captain
Crew
Director
- Michael Caton-Jones
Producer
- David Puttnam
- Catherine Wyler
Reviews
John Chard
Hip hip, hooray...
World War II and as the battle for the skies rages, the youthful crew of B-17 Bomber Memphis Belle embark on their 25th and final mission...
David Puttnam co-produces with Catherine Wyler and Michael Caton-Jones directs this poignant and gripping WWII story. The crew of "Belle" are made up of a youth inflected cast of actors headed by the likes of Eric Stoltz, Sean Astin, Billy Zane and Matthew Modine, while John Lithgow and David Strathairn provide the mature acting weight on the ground hoping that the boys come back safely.
In truth it's all a bit too predictable, but never insultingly so, though research into the real exploits of the brave heroes involved reveals that Hollywood has, well, been Hollywood. Tech credits are a mixture of the brilliant and the poor, but when it involves the aerial sequences the film is stunning, and the makers do a sterling job of making "Belle's" final flight suspenseful and emotionally potent. 6.5/10
Nov 23, 2014
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Memphis Belle 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 Michael Caton-Jones 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 1990, 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 Memphis Belle took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $23.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Memphis Belle shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Right Stuff, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Memphis Belle offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like A Walk in the Clouds and Stella. A Life. explore similar territory, Memphis Belle stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 7, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Budget: $23,000,000
Where to Watch
