Cast
View AllEllen Smith
as Sarah Allen
Chris M. Allport
as Jack Wilden
Nafees Alam
as Bouncer
Max Knudson
as Tyler
Ben Painter
as Young Andrew French
Laura Mason
as Kate Wilden
Austin Von Johnson
as Jason Davidson
Jon A. Ravenholt
as Baker's Dad
Alexander Sproule-Fendel
as Darell Baker
Tara Lancaster
as Becky
Eric D. Ellis
as Stevens
Alan C. Jones
as George Gregson
Nate Denhalter
as Nick
Hunter M. Smith
as Young Darrel Baker
Nameer Age
as Henry Brower (as Nameer Agekyan)
Crew
Director
- Nicholas Bromund
Writer
- Guthrie Roy Hartford
- Nicholas Bromund
Producer
- Cheyenne Bassham
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Nicholas Bromund 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 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 40 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 98 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 233 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Martha and the Bird, which focuses more on action than character development, The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Darkest Hour and Voodoo explore similar territory, The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: December 27, 2023
- Runtime: 40m
