Cast
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Rodney Dangerfield
as himself
Tim Allen
as himself
Bernadette Birkett
as stern woman
Vance Colvig
as Smitty
Dennis Drake
as bathroom attendant
Richard Epcar
as the man
Ray Fell
as
John Fox
as himself
Jeff Foxworthy
as himself
Marla Frees
as waitress #1
Gretchen German
as young woman
Johnny Green
as boy #2
Kevin Peter Hall
as Richard Small
Ron Jeremy
as Himself
Linda Hoffman
as Waitress #2
Crew
Director
- Gregory Sills
Writer
- Rodney Dangerfield
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Rodney Dangerfield: Opening Night at Rodney's Place represents a fascinating example of Comedy 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 Gregory Sills 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 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Rodney Dangerfield: Opening Night at Rodney's Place took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 500 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rodney Dangerfield: Opening Night at Rodney's Place shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tracy Morgan: Takin' It Too Far, which focuses more on action than character development, Rodney Dangerfield: Opening Night at Rodney's Place offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Chris Fleming: Hell and Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand explore similar territory, Rodney Dangerfield: Opening Night at Rodney's Place 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: May 6, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 27m
