Cast
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Ray Liotta
as Harry Collins
Anthony LaPaglia
as Mike Henshaw
Anjelica Huston
as Leila
Daniel Baldwin
as James Nutter
Jeremy Piven
as Fred Shuster
Xander Berkeley
as Lt. Clyde Webber
Giancarlo Esposito
as Louie
Brittany Murphy
as Veronica
Kari Wuhrer
as Katie Shuster
Giovanni Ribisi
as Joey Schneider
Tom Noonan
as Chicago
Kathryn Joosten
as Esther
Royce D. Applegate
as Dickerman
Tamara Clatterbuck
as Waitress
Al Sapienza
as Cop
Crew
Director
- Danny Cannon
Writer
- Danny Cannon
Producer
- Tracie Graham-Rice
- Victoria Nevinny
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Phoenix 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 Danny Cannon 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 Phoenix took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 154 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1189 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Phoenix shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fighting Thru, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Phoenix subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Bronx Tale and The Hustler explore similar territory, Phoenix 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: September 4, 1998
- Runtime: 1h 47m
Where to Watch
