Cast
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Taran Killam
as Roger Fellner
Gillian Jacobs
as Gwen Turley
Bobby Moynihan
as Todd Dotchman
Sarah Burns
as Margie Turley
Bill Pullman
as Jerry Turley
Rita Wilson
as Cathy Turley
Rachael Harris
as Aunt Pam
David Wain
as Uncle Mel
Michael Patrick O'Brien
as Nick
Kumail Nanjiani
as Riggleman
Giancarlo Esposito
as Congressman Frank McClaren
Mikey Day
as Thomas Jefferson
Sarah Baker
as Shannon
Kenan Thompson
as Miesha
Jonah Kellams
as Cousin Cody
Crew
Director
- Oz Rodríguez
- Matt Villines
Writer
- Cameron Fay
- Mikey Day
- Taran Killam
Producer
- Lorne Michaels
Reviews
Kamurai
Decent watch, could watch again, and can recommend.
Taran Killam, because of his time on SNL, tends to find his ways into roles he doesn't quite match. He's funny, he's a good actor, but he's not always quite enough of whatever he needs to be, in this case: likeable.
And on the opposite end, he's not enough of a control freak, he's kind of a bland middle ground. And he's supposed to be good enough, in some way, for Gillian Jacobs. The start of this movie literally looks more like a setup for the weekend where she dumps him than when he would propose. Though I guess they're not exclusive.
The Killam solution seems to be add someone who is a more infamous actor for being obnoxious, Bobby Moynihan. While Moynihan is good at what he does, I'm usually not a big fan of it: he's usually a lesser version of Chris Farley leaning on being more stupid than fat and physical.
I would imagine that Bobby's character would make almost anyone insane, but this is a long string of abuse humor rivalling "Duplex", and I would argue at a lesser quality.
Feb 23, 2021
Thematic Analysis
Brother Nature represents a fascinating example of Comedy 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 Oz Rodríguez 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 2016, 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 Brother Nature took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 59 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Brother Nature shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bollywood/Hollywood, which focuses more on action than character development, Brother Nature offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Sleepless in Seattle and License to Wed explore similar territory, Brother Nature 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: September 9, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 37m
