Cast
View AllJon Hamm
as Will Beam
Catherine Keener
as Donna Beam
John Ortiz
as Daniel Kalman
Nick Offerman
as Henry Greer
James Le Gros
as Patrick Beam
Bruce Dern
as Ronnie Ashemore
Ellen Burstyn
as Helen Greer
Amber Tamblyn
as Bethany Ashemore
Annalise Basso
as Tallie Beam
Jennifer Mudge
as Caitlin
Joanna Going
as Marge
Arye Gross
as Riley O'Bryan
Beth Grant
as Anna O'Bryan
Hugo Armstrong
as Jim Singer
Mikey Madison
as Kathleen
Crew
Director
- Mark Pellington
Writer
- Alex Ross Perry
Producer
- Tom Gorai
- Mark Pellington
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Nostalgia 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 Mark Pellington 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 Nostalgia took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1638 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Nostalgia shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Elisa, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Nostalgia subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Big Fish and Playing by Heart explore similar territory, Nostalgia 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: February 16, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 55m