Cast
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Bruce Willis
as Steve
Jason Momoa
as Spyder
John Goodman
as Dave Phillips
Thomas Middleditch
as John
Famke Janssen
as Katey Ford
Elisabeth Röhm
as Anne Phillips
Adam Goldberg
as Lou the Jew
Wood Harris
as The Prince
Emily Robinson
as Taylor
Kal Penn
as Rajeesh
Adrian Martinez
as Tino
Tyga
as Salvatore
Stephanie Sigman
as Lupe
Ken Davitian
as Yuri
Christopher McDonald
as Mr. Carter
Crew
Director
- Mark Cullen
- Robb Cullen
Writer
- Mark Cullen
- Robb Cullen
Producer
- Zev Foreman
- Laura Ford
- Nicolas Chartier
- Mark Cullen
- Robb Cullen
Reviews
Gimly
A patently unfunny comedy, whose audience-gateway character is the most annoying of the bunch. Moderately uplifted by setting, the fact that Bruce Willis wasn't 100% phoning it in for once, John Goodman once again "going through some stuff", and the always endearing Jason Momoa... Who is apparently Mexican for some reason.
_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
Jun 21, 2017
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Comedy/Thriller/Mystery film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Once Upon a Time in Venice distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Mark Cullen 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 2017, 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 Once Upon a Time in Venice took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1495 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2017, 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 Once Upon a Time in Venice shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pulp Fiction, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Once Upon a Time in Venice subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Short Cuts and Our Hospitality explore similar territory, Once Upon a Time in Venice stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 8, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Revenue: $855,888
Where to Watch
