Cast
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Sarita Choudhury
as Humera (segment "Honey-Getter")
Anne Heche
as Pregnant Girl (segment "Manhattan Miracle")
Taral Hicks
as Woman with Flowers (segment "Sax Cantor Riff")
Gregory Hines
as Jack (segment "Manhattan Miracle")
Danny Hoch
as Edward (segment "Honey-Getter")
Israel Horovitz
as Older Man (segment "The Listeners")
Bonnie Hunt
as Fern McDermott (segment "Fern's Heart of Darkness")
Bill Irwin
as Bill Irwin (segment "Subway Car from Hell")
Christine Lahti
as Red Shoe Woman (segment "The Red Shoes")
Denis Leary
as Wheelchair Man (segment "The Red Shoes")
Michael McGlone
as John T. (segment "Love on the A Train")
Ajay Naidu
as Prashant (segment "Honey-Getter")
KRS-One
as Vendor (segment "Subway Car from Hell")
Rosie Perez
as The Girl (segment "Love on the A Train")
Michael Rapaport
as Jake (segment "The Listeners")
Crew
Director
- Bob Balaban
- Patricia Benoit
- Ted Demme
- Abel Ferrara
- Craig McKay
- Seth Zvi Rosenfeld
- Lucas Platt
- Julie Dash
- Jonathan Demme
- Alison Maclean
Writer
- Adam Brooks
- Joe Viola
- Albert Innaurato
- John Guare
- Seth Zvi Rosenfeld
- Lynn Grossman
- Julie Dash
- Angela Todd
- Danny Hoch
- Marla Hanson
Producer
- Valerie Thomas
- Richard Guay
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Subway Stories 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 Bob Balaban 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 1997, 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 Subway Stories took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 837 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Subway Stories shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Magic in Town, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Subway Stories offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Jammed and Morvern Callar explore similar territory, Subway Stories 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: July 24, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 21m
