Cast
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Warren Beatty
as John Reed
Diane Keaton
as Louise Bryant
Edward Herrmann
as Max Eastman
Jerzy Kosiński
as Grigory Zinoviev
Jack Nicholson
as Eugene O'Neill
Paul Sorvino
as Louis Fraina
Maureen Stapleton
as Emma Goldman
Nicolas Coster
as Paul Trullinger
M. Emmet Walsh
as Speaker at Liberal Club
Ian Wolfe
as Mr. Partlow
Bessie Love
as Mrs. Partlow
MacIntyre Dixon
as Carl Walters
Pat Starr
as Helen Walters
Eleanor D. Wilson
as Mrs. Reed
Max Wright
as Floyd Dell
Crew
Director
- Warren Beatty
Producer
- Warren Beatty
Reviews
GenerationofSwine
this is about John Reed, right? The guy that road with Poncho Villa and wrote "Insurgent Mexico" as he covered that Civil War from the front line?
That is an interesting man. That is a daring man. Agree with his politics or not, that is someone that a movie SHOULD be made about.
But this isn't about "Insurgent Mexico" it's about his other book, "10 Days that Shook the World," the book where he wrote about something that he didn't really understand completely and was denied witness to, well, horrific mass killings.
But, you know the Russian Revolution is EXTREMELY interesting isn't it? Even if he was spoon-fed what he wrote, just being there to cover that would make for one interesting film too wouldn't it?
Only... it's not really about that either is it?
It's kind of about John Reed not doing anything too exciting, like the took the parts of his life that you would WANT to see a movie about, and decided NOT to make the movie about those parts.
And the result is that, well, honestly, it's boring.
And you are left wondering "How could someone make a boring movie about John Reed?"
And unfortunately you walk away from it having found out the answer to that question: "By making a movie about ONLY the boring parts of his life."
Jan 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Reds examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Warren Beatty 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 1981, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Reds took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $35.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 195 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 222 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 158 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1661 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Reds shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Walk the Line, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Reds offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like All Quiet on the Western Front and Shershaah explore similar territory, Reds stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: December 25, 1981
- Runtime: 3h 15m
- Budget: $35,000,000
- Revenue: $40,382,659
Where to Watch
