Cast
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Elijah Wood
as Huck Finn
Courtney B. Vance
as Jim
Robbie Coltrane
as The Duke
Jason Robards
as The King
Ron Perlman
as Pap Finn
Dana Ivey
as Widow Douglas
Anne Heche
as Mary Jane Wilks
James Gammon
as Deputy Hines
Paxton Whitehead
as Harvey Wilks
Tom Aldredge
as Dr. Robinson
Laura Bell Bundy
as Susan Wilks
Curtis Armstrong
as Country Jake
Mary Louise Wilson
as Miss Watson
Frances Conroy
as Scrawny Shanty Lady
Danny Tamberelli
as Ben Rodgers
Crew
Director
- Stephen Sommers
Producer
- Laurence Mark
Reviews
r96sk
A pretty mad film.
First off, I did enjoy <em>'The Adventures of Huck Finn'</em>. The main reason for that is Elijah Wood, who is honestly tremendous in the role of Huckleberry Finn. I've only, as of recently, seen Wood in his adult years, this is the best performance I've seen from him; I'm yet to watch <em>'The Lord of the Rings'</em>, admittedly.
Away from Wood, there are a few other strong cast members. Courtney B. Vance is impressive as Jim, while Jason Robards (The King) and Robbie Coltrane (The Duke) are a good double act. I very much like the cast.
Onto the story. It's kinda bonkers. It goes from being sombre, to being funny, to being serious, back to sombre, back to funny etc. It's very up and down in that sense, the first and third acts are rather heavy but the middle act is as silly as it could possibly be really. It has a very mixed feel about it, amidst the overall arc of slavery.
There is definitely a positive message in there, particularly with Finn and Jim. It's just muddled in with comedy, somewhat oddly. All that matters, though, is did I feel entertained by it? Yes, quite easily so. A film to watch, certainly.
Worth noting I am the opposite of book smart (aim to change that at some point!), despite knowing the name of the title character I've never read the book by Mark Twain. Therefore I couldn't tell you if it does Twain's work justice, or how it relates to it.
Sep 27, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Adventures of Huck Finn 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 Stephen Sommers 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 1993, 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 The Adventures of Huck Finn took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1993, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- 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 The Adventures of Huck Finn shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Little Witch, which focuses more on action than character development, The Adventures of Huck Finn offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Tales from the Neverending Story: The Gift and A Pinwheel Without Wind explore similar territory, The Adventures of Huck Finn 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: April 2, 1993
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Budget: $6,500,000
- Revenue: $24,103,594
Where to Watch
