Cast
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Crew
Director
- Usher Morgan
Writer
- Usher Morgan
Reviews
Edward Gomez
Excellent movie,Usher Morgan's superb directorial debut, a very well told story about vengeance and redemption amazingly mixing elements of many genres, film-noir ,mafia and a thin splash of spaghetti western spliced into an awesome pastiche.
The story develops at a small pace, nothing is rushed, although you can feel the tension and drama building up, it is remarkable what can come up with a low budget when you have a good script, talented actors and good direction.
Strong and convincing acting as well specially the 2 main female leads Katie Vincent and Elyse Price, kudos to the whole cast.
I am already ready in the queue for more work from this new gifted director.
Dec 10, 2018
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Pickings 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 Usher Morgan 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 Pickings took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 444 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 14 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.
- 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 Pickings shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Darkman, which focuses more on action than character development, Pickings subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like King of New York and Hard to Kill explore similar territory, Pickings stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: March 2, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $350,000
