Cast
View All
Sarah Michelle Gellar
as Veronika
David Thewlis
as Dr. Blake
Jonathan Tucker
as Edward
Erika Christensen
as Claire
Melissa Leo
as Mari
Erica Gimpel
as Nurse White
Waleed Zuaiter
as Lecturer
Victor Slezak
as Gabriel Durant
Adrian Martinez
as Nurse #1
Florencia Lozano
as Dr. Thompson
Barbara Sukowa
as Mom
Matthew Cowles
as Old Fred
Rena Owen
as Nurse Josephine
Holter Graham
as Eric Grafton
Stuart Rudin
as Deluded Man Patient
Crew
Director
- Emily Young
Writer
- Larry Gross
Producer
- Chris Hanley
- Sriram Das
- Shara Kay
- Jonathan Bross
- Mitchell Goldman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Veronika Decides to Die 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 Emily Young 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 2009, 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 Veronika Decides to Die took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $9.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Veronika Decides to Die shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Oppressed Majority, which focuses more on action than character development, Veronika Decides to Die offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like O'er the Land and The Death of Empedocles explore similar territory, Veronika Decides to Die stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 16, 2009
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $9,000,000
- Revenue: $1,709,178
