Cast
View AllChristy Carlson Romano
as Jackie Dorsey
Ross Thomas
as Alex Harrison
Scott Thompson Baker
as Doug Dorsey
Kim Kindrick
as Heidi Clements
Faune Chambers Watkins
as Elisa Procter
Christine Lakin
as Luanne King
Oksana Baiul
as Herself
Kayla Carlson
as Kayla
Stepfanie Kramer
as Kate Mosley-Dorsey
Ryan Hansen
as Scottie
Rebecca Grant
as Sports Correspondant
Sean McNamara
as Mr. Orange
Don Swayze
as Obnoxious Guy
Sydney Park
as Skating Girl
Erik Audé
as Pool Waiter
Crew
Director
- Sean McNamara
Writer
- Dan Berendsen
Producer
- David Brookwell
- Sean McNamara
- David Buelow
- David Grace
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold 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 Sean McNamara 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 2006, 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 Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Any Given Sunday, which focuses more on action than character development, The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Fan and A Guy Thing explore similar territory, The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold 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: February 7, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $3,000,000
Where to Watch

