Cast
View All
Mary McDonnell
as May-Alice Culhane
Alfre Woodard
as Chantelle
Vondie Curtis-Hall
as Sugar LeDoux
David Strathairn
as Rennie
Leo Burmester
as Reeves
Nora Dunn
as Ti-Marie
Mary Portser
as Precious
Angela Bassett
as Rhonda / Dawn
Sheila Kelley
as Kim
Nancy Mette
as Nina
Lenore Banks
as Nurse Quick
Will Mahoney
as Max
Nelle Stokes
as Therapist #1
Brett Ardoin
as Therapist #2
Michael Mantell
as Dr. Kline
Crew
Director
- John Sayles
Writer
- John Sayles
Producer
- Maggie Renzi
- Sarah Green
Reviews
Peter McGinn
I have watched Passion Fish many times and will certainly watch it again. It is one of those movies that seem practically perfect to me, from the lead performances of the ensemble cast down to the lesser characters, such as the numerous people who visit May_Alice and Chantelle during the course of the film. There are buckets a=of drama here that manages not to descend into melodrama (unlike the soap operas May-Alice used to act in), enough humor to leaven. The dramatic aspects, and personal growth that is realistic and helps us care more about the characters.
Mar 17, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Passion Fish 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 Sayles 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 1992, 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 Passion Fish took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 135 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 171 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 443 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1992, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Passion Fish shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike All About Eve, which focuses more on action than character development, Passion Fish subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Persona and All the King's Men explore similar territory, Passion Fish 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: December 11, 1992
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $4,814,619
Where to Watch
