Cast
Skarphéðinn Hjaltason
Jón Páll as a child
Garðar Unnarsson
Jón Páll
Sæmundur Unnar Sæmundsson
Jón Páll as an adult
Crew
Director
- Steingrímur Jón Þórðarson
Writer
- Steingrímur Jón Þórðarson
- Hjalti Árnason
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Larger than Life represents a fascinating example of Documentary 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 Steingrímur Jón Þórðarson 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 2006, 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 Larger than Life took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 164 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1685 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Larger than Life shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Metamorphoses, which focuses more on action than character development, Larger than Life subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Poster Boys and Les cèdres du Liban explore similar territory, Larger than Life 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: September 8, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 45m
