Cast
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George Kosturos
as Ali
Jon Voight
as Principle Skinner
William Fichtner
as Coach Plyler
Lia Marie Johnson
as Kristi Larsen
Kevin G. Schmidt
as Rowan Knox
Gabriel Basso
as Jimmy Petersen
Shannon Collis
as Wendy
Courtney Hope Turner
as Jenny
Ali Afshar
as Hafez Tabad
Nicholas Guilak
as Pasha
Sasha Feldman
as Dan 'Toad' Webster
Michael Girgenti
as
Crew
Director
- Alex Ranarivelo
Writer
- Brian Rudnick
Producer
- Ali Afshar
- Hadeel Reda
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, American Wrestler: The Wizard 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 Alex Ranarivelo 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 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of American Wrestler: The Wizard took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 165 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2384 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While American Wrestler: The Wizard shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fearless, which focuses more on action than character development, American Wrestler: The Wizard offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Half Nelson and Donnie Brasco explore similar territory, American Wrestler: The Wizard stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: May 16, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 57m
