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A Good Funeral

A Good Funeral (2009)

May 08, 2009 1h 30m Drama

At her father's funeral, Junior Talmadge remembers back 30 years to the last time she saw her Dad: the summer of 1979. Junior was graduating from college and had just gotten engaged. Her dad surprises the family when he arrives with a brand new motor home. He entices his kids into a final "family summer vacation," the only way he knows how: he tells them he has cancer. Thus begins the family's road trip to California, and their quest to become a real American family, the old-fashioned way, by being on a real American TV game show. As the family arrives in LA to audition for the show, secret after secret is revealed about their dad, forcing Junior and her brothers to confront the reality of who their Dad really is.

Directed by David Moreton

Cast

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Gary Cole
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Gary Cole

as Stan Talmadge

Jennifer Coolidge
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Jennifer Coolidge

as Helen

Agnes Bruckner
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Agnes Bruckner

as Junior

Tina Holmes
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Tina Holmes

as Maude

Josh Randall
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Josh Randall

as Andrew

Jordan Bridges
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Jordan Bridges

as Marty

Teddy Dunn
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Teddy Dunn

as Bret

Riki Lindhome
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Riki Lindhome

as Polly

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Matt Baker

as Game Show Host

William Charlton
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William Charlton

as Bud

Crew

Director
  • David Moreton
Writer
  • David Moreton
Producer
  • David Moreton
  • Steve Brooksbank
  • Rob Aitro
  • Gustavo F. Alcaraz
  • Jenny Hinkey

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, A Good Funeral 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 David Moreton 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 2009, 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 A Good Funeral took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 830 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The costume department created over 289 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2009, when this film is released:
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: May 8, 2009
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

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