Cast
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Jesse James
as Rev. Johnny Jones
Mariana Paola Vicente
as Rebecca
Burton Gilliam
as Pawn Broker - Dad
Brad Hawkins
as Bartender
Kim Jackson Wheeler
as Hilda
Juan Felipe Barrientos
as Thug 1
Todd Jenkins
as Billy
Kalisa Wade
as Lady in Wheelchair
Sharon Garrison
as Mary O'Neil
Tim Taylor
as Pawn Broker
Dennis O'Neill
as State Trooper
Tom Young
as Liquor Store Owner
Jaclyn Lopez
as Blind Man's Sister
Marc Jeffreys
as Johnny Jones Sr.
Larry Jack Dotson
as Motel Keeper #2
Crew
Director
- Norman Gregory McGuire
Writer
- Norman Gregory McGuire
Producer
- Marshall Culp
- Norman Gregory McGuire
- John Belew
- Carolina Hernandez
- Dino May
- J.T. Barnett
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Lucky Man 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 Norman Gregory McGuire 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 The Lucky Man took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- 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:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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 The Lucky Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Angel Baby, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Lucky Man offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey and The Prophet of Prosperity: Robert Tilton and the Gospel of Greed explore similar territory, The Lucky Man 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: January 16, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $1,000,000
- Revenue: $25,015
