Cast
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Patrick Swayze
as Pecos Bill
Oliver Platt
as Paul Bunyan
Roger Aaron Brown
as John Henry
Nick Stahl
as Daniel Hackett
Scott Glenn
as J.P. Stiles
Stephen Lang
as Jonas Hackett
Jared Harris
as Head Thug Pug
Catherine O'Hara
as Calamity Jane
Burgess Meredith
as Old Man (uncredited)
Scott Wilson
as Zeb
William H. Macy
as Railroad Magnate
Moira Sinise
as Mary Hackett
Crew
Director
- Jeremiah S. Chechik
Writer
- Steve Bloom
- Robert Rodat
Producer
- Joe Roth
- Roger Birnbaum
Reviews
r96sk
A tad messy in its execution, but a cool film nevertheless.
I'll be honest, it oddly took me a while to catch on to what was happening; I found all the dots, so to speak, but didn't connect them quick enough for some reason. Nonetheless, throughout, I was very much enjoying the film.
The cast are terrific, they certainly elevate the film up in my thoughts. Patrick Swayze, Oliver Platt and Roger Aaron Brown are entertaining in the respective roles as Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan and John Henry. A young Nick Stahl isn't amazing, but his performance is satisfactory. Scott Glenn, meanwhile, is a solid villain.
Away from them, you have the likes of Jared Harris, Stephen Lang, Scott Wilson and Catherine O'Hara appear - I would've loved to have seen more of O'Hara as Calamity Jane, there was great potential there for a big team up with Swayze's character; sadly we only get them together for a short time.
The premise is a strange one but one I liked. It could've came out better no doubt, though it is still done to a suitable level. <em>'Tall Tale'</em> is a fun flick from Disney.
Oct 4, 2020
Thematic Analysis
Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure represents a fascinating example of Adventure/Family/Western cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Jeremiah S. Chechik 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 1995, 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 Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $32.0 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 144 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1277 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1995, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Legend of Zorro, which focuses more on action than character development, Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Power of the Dog and The Mask of Zorro explore similar territory, Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure 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: March 24, 1995
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $32,000,000
Where to Watch
