Cast
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Alex Wolff
as Jamie Schwartz
Stefania LaVie Owen
as Deedee
Chris Cooper
as J.D. Salinger
Zephyr Benson
as Gerry Schwartz
Adrian Pasdar
as Mr. Tierney
Caleb Emery
as Billy Campbell
Eric Nelsen
as Ted Tyler
Amy Parrish
as Robin
Michael Siberry
as Mr. Dewitt
Kabby Borders
as Maureen
Melissa Lozoff
as Dot
Lucia Scarano
as Mrs. Schwartz
Ed Pilkington
as Professor Goebbers
Joshua Brady
as Young Man
Crew
Director
- James Steven Sadwith
Writer
- James Steven Sadwith
Producer
- Stan Erdreich
- Teddy Grennan
- James Steven Sadwith
Reviews
Wuchak
***Finding the reclusive author of “Catcher in the Rye” in 1969***
In 1969 a persecuted prep school student in Pennsylvania (Alex Wolff) runs away to find the author of “Catcher in the Rye” in the hills of New Hampshire to get his permission to produce a play based on his classic novel. Stefania LaVie Owen is on hand as the girl from a nearby school whom he travels with while Chris Cooper plays the curmudgeonly recluse J.D. Salinger.
"Coming through the Rye" (2015) is a coming-of-age drama based on a true story. Being set in an all-male boarding school with sequences involving a female school, you can’t help but compare it with “Dead Poets Society” (1989). While it’s not great like that movie, it’s quite good. They’re really not that similar in the first place because “Coming through the Rye” is just as much of a road movie as it is a historical boarding school flick.
Wolff is good as the likable & sympathetic protagonist while Stefania is a winsome cutie. The story takes off when the two team-up in the second act. Their honest relationship is the core of the tale with the boy’s possible interactions with the author playing a secondary role.
Someone called the movie “phony” because Salinger’s classic book looked "down upon those who refuse to accept life as anything other than miserable and unforgiving. Its sincerity is guided by distrust in others and it spits in the face of affection and benevolence." Gee, ya think that might be why Salinger is depicted as an antisocial curmudgeon in the movie? Besides, it can’t be too phony if the events are based on a true story with 90% accuracy according to writer/director James Steven Sadwith.
The film runs 1 hour, 37 minutes and was shot in Orange County, Virginia. Speaking of which, the gorgeous Eastern locations are a huge plus.
GRADE: B
Mar 29, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Coming Through the Rye 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 James Steven Sadwith 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 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 Coming Through the Rye took approximately 23 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 132 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- 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 Coming Through the Rye shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike American Beauty, which focuses more on action than character development, Coming Through the Rye subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like War Pony and White Bird explore similar territory, Coming Through the Rye 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: October 13, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 37m
Where to Watch
