Cast
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Jennifer Connelly
as Nana Kunning
Cillian Murphy
as Ivan
Mélanie Laurent
as Jannia Ressmore
William Shimell
as Newman
Zen McGrath
as Young Ivan
Peter McRobbie
as Ike
Winta McGrath
as Gully
Nancy Drake
as Old Woman
Judy Cook
as Airplane Receptionist
Carson Nattrass
as Officer
Oona Chaplin
as Alice
Aurore Pariente
as Sophie
Crew
Director
- Claudia Llosa
Writer
- Claudia Llosa
Producer
- Ibon Cormenzana
- Phyllis Laing
- José María Morales
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Aloft 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 Claudia Llosa 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 2014, 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 Aloft took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Aloft 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 Piano, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Aloft offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Little Miss Sunshine and Annaluise & Anton explore similar territory, Aloft 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: February 12, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Budget: $8,000,000
- Revenue: $53,086
