Cast
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Alec Baldwin
as Self
Tony Brown
as Self
James Carville
as Self
Maggie Clifford
as Self
Chuck D
as Self
Radney Foster
as Self
Patricia Gaines
as Self
Mary Gauthier
as Self
Emmylou Harris
as Self
Ethan Hawke
as Self
John Hiatt
as Self
George Klein
as Self
Ashton Kutcher
as Self
Greil Marcus
as Self
Justin Merrick
as Self
Crew
Director
- Eugene Jarecki
Writer
- Christopher St. John
- Eugene Jarecki
Producer
- Christopher St. John
- Eugene Jarecki
- Georgina Hills
- Christopher Frierson
- David Kuhn
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The King represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Eugene Jarecki 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 pacing and visual storytelling 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 King took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- 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 The King shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The King subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing and The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles explore similar territory, The King 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 22, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Revenue: $162,589
Where to Watch
