Cast
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Chad Darnell
as Daniel Ferguson
Rib Hillis
as Steven James
Helen Shaver
as Judith Ferguson
Lee Meriwether
as Opal Hunt
Jane Badler
as Jane Badler
Peter Paige
as Scott Green
Shanda Lee Munson
as Ruth Ferguson
Jenni Pulos
as Jenni Pulos
Jennifer Gimenez
as Rachel
Nina Millin
as CeCe
Heather Olt
as Jaq
James Logan
as Nick
Marissa D'Onofrio
as Marissa
Ronnie Kroell
as Fear
Ralph Cole Jr.
as Duane
Crew
Director
- Chad Darnell
Writer
- Chad Darnell
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Birthday Cake represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Chad Darnell 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 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Birthday Cake took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 405 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- 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 Birthday Cake shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike How to Be a Latin Lover, which focuses more on action than character development, Birthday Cake subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Running with Scissors and Cunk on Christmas explore similar territory, Birthday Cake 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: June 3, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch
