Cast
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Steve Coogan
as Stanley "Stan" Laurel
John C. Reilly
as Oliver "Ollie" Hardy
Shirley Henderson
as Lucille Hardy
Nina Arianda
as Ida Kitaeva Laurel
Rufus Jones
as Bernard Delfont
Danny Huston
as Hal Roach
Joseph Balderrama
as James W. Horne
John Henshaw
as Nobby Cook
Keith MacPherson
as James Finlayson
Richard Cant
as Harry Langdon
Susy Kane
as Cynthia Clark
Josh Alexander
as Newspaper Stand Boy
Tapiwa Mugweni
as Burgess
Stewart Alexander
as Joe Schenck
Kevin Millington
as Clapper Loader
Crew
Director
- Jon S. Baird
Writer
- Jeff Pope
Producer
- Faye Ward
Reviews
Peter McGinn
This movie tells a simple story beautifully about two complex men at the end of their careers.
I think I disagree with some people in believing that Stan & Ollie benefits from narrowing the plot. Showing their career together at their pear would show what they were as a team and what they did together, but this angle illustrates who they are. It sweats the details. Coogan and Reilly are very convincing in their roles.
They still have ambitions that fuel an attempt at a comeback, but their ambition is clouded by the knowledge that they are past their prime. They enjoy the nostalgia and leftover love from their fans even while they try to rise above it. The movie is able to end on a high note even though they cannot achieve all of their goals.
Perhaps what I like the most about this movie is the treatment of the stars' wives. As the agent character states, the two wives are also a sort of double act. On the surface they don't seem to like each other a lot, but we see moments of respect and fun between them, and they obviously both love their famous husbands very much. As I said above, Coogan and Reilly do a great job in this movie, but it would have been a lesser film without these two supporting characters.
Apr 5, 2020
CinemaSerf
As a kid, i always shied away from the sort of "slapstick" humour of Laurel and Hardy, so I knew little about them. This little retrospective proved to be an enjoyable traipse throughout their last few professional years, down on their luck, working for a somewhat unscrupulous Bernard (later Lord) Delfont from small, provincial, music halls in Britain. John C. Reilly does an excellent job conveying the frailties of Oliver Hardy. Steve Coogan is less convincing - he seems to resort more to mimicry. All-in-all, though - quite an charming and gently told story with quite a few laughs and the odd tear-jerking moment, too.
May 30, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Stan & Ollie 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 Jon S. Baird 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 2018, 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 Stan & Ollie took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 188 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2018, 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 Stan & Ollie shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Manhattan, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Stan & Ollie subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Annie Hall and The Last Emperor explore similar territory, Stan & Ollie 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: December 28, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $24,420,923
