Cast
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Director
- Jake Jaxson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Life of Riley represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Jake Jaxson 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, 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 Life of Riley took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 113 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1219 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Life of Riley shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Who Are We?, which focuses more on action than character development, The Life of Riley subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Pornomelancholia and Hustler White explore similar territory, The Life of Riley 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: July 20, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 53m