Cast
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Simon Pegg
as Graeme Willy
Nick Frost
as Clive Gollings
Seth Rogen
as Paul (voice)
Jason Bateman
as Special Agent Lorenzo Zoil
Kristen Wiig
as Ruth Buggs
Bill Hader
as Haggard
Blythe Danner
as Tara Walton
Joe Lo Truglio
as O'Reilly
John Carroll Lynch
as Moses Buggs
Jane Lynch
as Pat Stevenson
David Koechner
as Gus
Jesse Plemons
as Jake
Sigourney Weaver
as The Big Guy
Jeffrey Tambor
as Adam Shadowchild
Steven Spielberg
as Self
Crew
Director
- Greg Mottola
Writer
- Nick Frost
- Simon Pegg
Producer
- Nira Park
- Tim Bevan
- Eric Fellner
- Adam Schardein
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Paul explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Greg Mottola 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 2011, 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 Paul took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $40.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 40 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- 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 Paul shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ocean's Eleven, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Paul offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Snakes on a Plane and The Lost World: Jurassic Park explore similar territory, Paul 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: February 14, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Revenue: $98,000,000
Where to Watch
