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The Year of Spectacular Men

The Year of Spectacular Men (2018)

Jun 15, 2018 1h 42m Drama Comedy Romance

In the year after graduating college, Izzy struggles to navigate the seemingly incessant failures of adulthood, the reality of a substandard dating pool and a debilitating fear of top-sheets, all in between X-Files marathons. Comically unsuccessful in love over the course the year, including five half-hearted relationships with astoundingly self-centered men, Izzy resigns herself to the support of her mother and sister, who are struggling with their own relationship problems. Seeing herself in them, Izzy gradually gains the confidence to be honest and vulnerable.

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Directed by Lea Thompson

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Lea Thompson
Writer
  • Madelyn Deutch
Producer
  • Howard Deutch
  • Zoey Deutch
  • Gordon Gilbertson
  • Danny Roth
  • Damiano Tucci

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Year of Spectacular Men 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 Lea Thompson 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 Year of Spectacular Men took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 962 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Year of Spectacular Men shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Tomboy, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Year of Spectacular Men subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Eat Me! and Stuck explore similar territory, The Year of Spectacular Men stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: June 15, 2018
  • Runtime: 1h 42m

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads

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