Cast
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Brittany Murphy
as Molly Gunn
Dakota Fanning
as Ray Schleine
Marley Shelton
as Ingrid
Donald Faison
as Huey
Jesse Spencer
as Neal
Austin Pendleton
as Mr. McConkey
Heather Locklear
as Roma Schleine
Will Toale
as Briefs Model
Marceline Hugot
as Nurse
Pell James
as Julie
Quddus
as Party Guy
Russell Steinberg
as Party Guy
Fisher Stevens
as Fisher Stevens
Susanna Frazer
as Ballet Teacher
Wynter Kullman
as Holly
Crew
Director
- Boaz Yakin
Producer
- Fisher Stevens
- John Penotti
- Allison Jacobs
Reviews
Wuchak
Way more than a shallow “chick flick” romcom.
RELEASED IN 2003 and directed by Boaz Yakin, "Uptown Girls" is a dramedy with a little romance about Molly (Brittany Murphy), a fun-loving 22 year-old who suddenly loses her inherited riches and is forced to become a nanny to a stoical neat-freak girl, Ray (Dakota Fanning). Heather Locklear plays Ray’s distant mother who’s an exec in the music biz while Jesse Spencer plays a hunky musician who gets signed. Marley Shelton and Donald Faison are on hand as friends of Molly.
The first act didn’t do much for me, but at the halfway point something made me bust out laughing and I busted out four more times before it was over. More importantly, the movie is rich with quality mind/spirit food. Both Molly and Ray are broken people who handle their grief in opposite ways. And each has what the other needs to heal and escape their disorder.
“Uptown Girls” boldly reveals that “meds” (drugs) cannot heal or deliver a person; the best they can do is help a person cope. In fact, they usually have negative side-effects, mentally and physically. Sadly, six years after the release of the film Murphy ironically died of cardiac arrest due to inadvertent overdoses of a mixture of over-the-counter & prescription drugs taken (they presume) for a respiratory infection. She was only 32.
The flick encourages growing up and achieving true success through (1.) recognizing “golden connections” and taking advantage of them (after all, no one makes it alone, no one; they had help); and (2.) discerning and cultivating one’s special talent(s). I’d say more, but it’s better to see the movie, enjoy it, and quarry the gems for oneself.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 32 minutes and was shot in New York City (Manhattan & Brooklyn with studio work done in Queens). WRITERS: Julia Dahl, Mo Ogrodnik & Lisa Davidowitz wrote the script based on Allison Jacobs’ story.
GRADE: B+
Mar 15, 2018
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Uptown Girls 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 Boaz Yakin 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 2003, 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 Uptown Girls took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 415 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1617 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2003, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Uptown Girls shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike London, which focuses more on action than character development, Uptown Girls subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Cocktail and Half Nelson explore similar territory, Uptown Girls stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: August 15, 2003
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $44,600,000
