Cast
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Diane Keaton
as Roberta Blumstein
Maury Chaykin
as Ben Rubadue
Joseph Cross
as Jack
Kathleen York
as Daphne
John Hoffman
as Joe Scarlotti
Crystal Verge
as Aggie
John R. Taylor
as Arthur
Sheila Patterson
as Arlene
Frank C. Turner
as Willard
Tom Cavanagh
as Frank
Peter Wilds
as Ratman
Chilton Crane
as Margaret
Sheila Moore
as Louise
Alexander Pollock
as Bobby
Leam Blackwood
as Emmet
Crew
Director
- Linda Yellen
Producer
- Warren Carr
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Northern Lights 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 Linda Yellen 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 1998, 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 Northern Lights took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 115 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1998, 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 Northern Lights 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 Riddle: Woman, which focuses more on action than character development, Northern Lights offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Oppressed Majority and O'er the Land explore similar territory, Northern Lights 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 2, 1998
- Runtime: 1h 51m
