Cast
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Lee Marvin
as Theodore 'Hickey' Hickman
Fredric March
as Harry Hope
Robert Ryan
as Larry Slade
Jeff Bridges
as Don Parritt
Bradford Dillman
as Willie Oban
Sorrell Booke
as Hugo Kalmar
Hildy Brooks
as Margie
Juno Dawson
as Pearl
Evans Evans
as Cora
Martyn Green
as Cecil Lewis
Moses Gunn
as Joe Mott
Clifton James
as Pat McGloin
John McLiam
as Jimmy Tomorrow
Stephen Pearlman
as Chuck Morelo
Tom Pedi
as Rocky Pioggi
Crew
Director
- John Frankenheimer
Producer
- Ely A. Landau
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Iceman Cometh 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 John Frankenheimer 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 1973, 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 The Iceman Cometh took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 239 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 296 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Iceman Cometh shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Evita, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Iceman Cometh offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like My Magic and Romeo and Juliet explore similar territory, The Iceman Cometh 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: November 10, 1973
- Runtime: 3h 59m
Where to Watch
