Cast
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Josh Hartnett
as Len
Teresa Palmer
as Anna
Alexis Bledel
as Sarah
Rosario Dawson
as Mia
Penn Badgley
as Erik
Gena Rowlands
as Esther
Frank Langella
as Andy
Hill Harper
as Rick
Stephen Sowan
as Jabe
Reis Ciaramitaro
as Terran
Valerie Hurt
as Tracy
Conor Leslie
as Des
Sonya A. Avakian
as Carol Goto
Holly Wingler
as Jess
Carl Noel King
as Jacob
Crew
Director
- Brian Horiuchi
Writer
- Brian Horiuchi
Producer
- Michael Benaroya
- David Dickson
- Molly Hassell
- Jennifer Levine
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Parts Per Billion explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Brian Horiuchi 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 pacing and visual storytelling 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 Parts Per Billion took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.3 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2221 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2014, 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 Parts Per Billion 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 Jacket, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Parts Per Billion subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Cloud and Virus explore similar territory, Parts Per Billion 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: March 25, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $1,300,000
- Revenue: $15,000,000
Where to Watch
