Cast
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Norah Jones
as Elizabeth
Jude Law
as Jeremy
David Strathairn
as Arnie
Rachel Weisz
as Sue Lynne
Natalie Portman
as Leslie
Cat Power
as Katya
Frankie Faison
as Travis
Michael Delano
as Cowboy
Chad R. Davis
as Boyfriend
Katya Blumenberg
as Girlfriend
John Malloy
as Diner Manager
Demetrius Butler
as Male Customer
Adriane Lenox
as Sandy
Benjamin Kanes
as Randy
Michael Hartnett
as Sunglasses
Crew
Director
- Wong Kar-wai
Producer
- Wong Kar-wai
- Stéphane Kooshmanian
- Jean-Louis Piel
- Jacky Pang
- Alice Chan Wai-Chung
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Now I'm all for a film from back in the day when Jude Law was in his swarthy, sexy phase (and had a full head of hair...) but, sadly, even that cannot rescue the rather ponderous romantic drama. Norah Jones is recovering from a broken relationship; she stops by Law's café for some pie and soon they chat. Next, she has moved on and he is trying to track her down via New York, Memphis and finally Nevada where she alights on a penniless Natalie Portman. It's all a bit haphazard; what little structure there is, doesn't really make this anything better than a bizarrely soulless road movie with loads of relationship fall-out and navel-gazing. It's got a great soundtrack, though.
Aug 13, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, My Blueberry Nights 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 Wong Kar-wai 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 2007, 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 My Blueberry Nights took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 889 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2007, 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 My Blueberry Nights shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Two Irenes, which focuses more on action than character development, My Blueberry Nights subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Bucket List and Frühstück mit einer Unbekannten explore similar territory, My Blueberry Nights 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: November 28, 2007
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $21,800,000
Where to Watch
