Cast
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Oscar Isaac
as Will Dempsey
Olivia Wilde
as Abby Dempsey
Annette Bening
as Dr. Cait Morris
Antonio Banderas
as Vincent Saccione
Mandy Patinkin
as Irwin Dempsey
Jean Smart
as Linda Dempsey
Olivia Cooke
as Dylan Dempsey
Sergio Peris-Mencheta
as Javier González
Laia Costa
as Isabel Díaz
Àlex Monner
as Rodrigo González Díaz
Isabel Durant
as Shari Dickstein
Lorenza Izzo
as Elena Dempsey-González
Samuel L. Jackson
as Self
Jake Robinson
as Henry / Hero
Adrián Marrero
as Rodrigo (7-10 Years Old)
Crew
Director
- Dan Fogelman
Writer
- Dan Fogelman
Producer
- Marty Bowen
- Wyck Godfrey
- Aaron Ryder
- Dan Fogelman
Reviews
cityguide
This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman wrote and directed this tear-jerking rom-dram, which looks eerily familiar to the NBC series, give or take a couple A-list cast members (Olivia Wilde, Oscar Isaac, Annette Bening, Mandy Patinkin, Antonio Banderas … breathe). Like Us, the film pulses between the characters’ mysteriously interconnected narratives, which are set between N.Y.C. and Spain
Sep 5, 2018
Peter McGinn
I enjoyed this movie. At times it felt like it was trying to say too much, but still it succeeds in saying a lot of it.
I don't think this movie is as bad nor as good as some of the reviews I read before watching it. One negative for me is how many large themes and issues the writing takes on with its complex plot, but conversely, one of its strengths is all of the large themes and issues the movie tackles. In other words, when it works, it really works.
There are a lot of sympathetic characters in this saga, and even the few less sympathetic ones are given depth and the opportunity for personal growth during the course of the movie. It seems like interesting choices were made when to translate the Spanish dialogue and when not to, but I don't feel I missed out on important stuff.
I think I will watch it again someday just to draw more out of it, catch little things I probably missed, so I guess that means I recommend watching it, doesn't it?
Apr 3, 2020
Ben
Dan Fogelman's Life Itself is as horrible and wonderful as life itself.
Aug 29, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Life Itself 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 Dan Fogelman 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 critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Life Itself took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 978 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- 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 Life Itself shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Our Hospitality, which focuses more on action than character development, Life Itself subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Streetcar Named Desire and Little Miss Sunshine explore similar territory, Life Itself 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: September 21, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $7,997,774
Where to Watch
