Cast
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Rue McClanahan
as Laura Carlson
Michele Greene
as Julie Carlston
Ty Miller
as Bobby Carlston
Samantha Mathis
as Anne Carlston
George Coe
as Frank Parsons
Tom Irwin
as Mark Sheridan
James Avery
as Ian Mellon
Ellen Blake
as Ellen
Jeff Corey
as Travis
Sean Six
as Anne's Boyfriend
Jennifer Lynn McComb
as Paula
Chris Rennolds
as Ruth
A.J. Stephans
as Braxton
Douglas Rowe
as Dr. Silverstein
Noah Blake
as Chuck
Crew
Director
- Larry Shaw
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, To My Daughter 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 Larry Shaw 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 1990, 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 To My Daughter took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 198 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While To My Daughter shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lamb, which focuses more on action than character development, To My Daughter subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Reign Over Me and I Like Movies explore similar territory, To My Daughter stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: November 26, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 35m
