Cast
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Jason Schwartzman
as Philip
Elisabeth Moss
as Ashley
Jonathan Pryce
as Ike
Krysten Ritter
as Melanie
Joséphine de la Baume
as Yvette
Jess Weixler
as Holly
Kate Lyn Sheil
as Nancy
Dree Hemingway
as Emily
Keith Poulson
as Josh
Samantha Jacober
as Mona
Craig Butta
as Lowlife at Bar
Steven Boyer
as Parker
Daniel London
as Seth
Jennifer Kim
as Girl on Stairs (uncredited)
Wai Ching Ho
as Helen (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Alex Ross Perry
Writer
- Alex Ross Perry
Producer
- Joshua Blum
- Katie Stern
- Toby Halbrooks
- James M. Johnston
- David Lowery
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Listen Up Philip 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 Alex Ross Perry 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 Listen Up Philip took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2182 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Listen Up Philip shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sideways, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Listen Up Philip subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Knight's Tale and Smoke explore similar territory, Listen Up Philip stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: May 7, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Revenue: $214,344
Where to Watch
