Cast
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Crew
Director
- Alastair Riddell
Writer
- Vanessa Riddell
Reviews
CinemaSerf
This is quite a good looking, though shockingly slow tale of a young gay man who leaves his family to work on a remote farm to escape the bigotry (and brutality) of his former workplace. Snag is, when he arrives he meets and falls head over heels for the young son of the owner of his new farm in rural New Zealand. To be fair to both Kieran Foster in the lead as "Billy" and his very pretty love interest "Tom" (Luke Thompson) they both perform well enough, its just the pace and the direction that meander uphill in a thunderstorm. It does attempt to appraise the prejudices and hatred that existed at the time, but there are too many distracting sub-plots that - given this is based on a true story - though probably factual in nature, add little to what is essentially a love story that does not end as anyone planned. The scenery is magnificent, and the score compliments that photography well but otherwise it is rather a dreary, doom-laden story that offers precious little by way of redemption - on any level. Oh, and it rains a hell of a lot...
Mar 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, West of Eden 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 Alastair Riddell 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 reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of West of Eden took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 165 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 113 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1210 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While West of Eden shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike My Sweet Boy, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, West of Eden subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Villain Who I Love and Male Shorts: International V2 explore similar territory, West of Eden 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.
