Cast
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Mark Strong
as John Washington
Taissa Farmiga
as Anna Greene
Brian Cox
as Sebastian
Saskia Reeves
as Michelle Greene
Richard Dillane
as Robert Greene
Indira Varma
as Judith Morrow
Noah Taylor
as Peter Lundgren
Alberto Ammann
as Tom Ortega
Jessica Barden
as Megan 'Mousey' Scanlon
Clare Calbraith
as Jaime Feld
Julio Perillán
as Senator Rockford
Rod Hallett
as Detective Worner
Sanny van Heteren
as Samantha Harris
Antonia Clarke
as Susan Merrick
Frida Palsson
as Anna Washington
Crew
Director
- Jorge Dorado
Producer
- Peter Safran
- Juan Solá
- Jaume Collet-Serra
- Mercedes Gamero
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Mark Strong isn't bad, usually, as the baddie or the sidekick but I'm afraid that as a leading actor he isn't really very, well, strong. He is "Washington" in this thriller about a man who can plumb the depths of other people's memories and get to the bottom of their problems. This particular "memory detective" has been recovering from a personal tragedy of his own when he is summoned to a stately home to meet the sixteen year old "Anna" (Taissa Farmiga) at the behest of his boss "Sebastian" (the sparingly used Brian Cox). She's a troubled girl but what concerns her parents most is that she is refusing to eat. His job is just to chat with her, put her at her ease and convince her to have a sandwich. If only it were to be that simple, though. As the two begin to chat, he begins to suspect that there is something ghastly lurking in her sub-conscience. Is she downright malevolent or is she, perhaps, the victim of someone else's behaviour. As the story unravels, he finds himself caught in a maelstrom that tests not just his skills but his own strength of character. He struggles to differentiate between truth and fiction and not just in her mind, either. So far, the concept is quite intriguing but I'm afraid the execution isn't great. It's written as if it were a sketch, with little attention to any detail to fill out the characterisations and Strong has little in his armoury to compensate for that. The denouement is hardly a surprise and I was a bit disappointed in the whole thing. It's watchable enough, but I doubt I will remember it next week.
Apr 7, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Anna 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 Jorge Dorado 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 2013, 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 Anna took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 314 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Anna shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Wonderers, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Anna subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Celebration and Insomnia explore similar territory, Anna 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: October 13, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Budget: $4,357,373
- Revenue: $1,200,000
Where to Watch
