Cast
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Rene Russo
as Rhodora Haze
Jake Gyllenhaal
as Morf Vandewalt
Zawe Ashton
as Josephina
Tom Sturridge
as Jon Dondon
Toni Collette
as Gretchen
Natalia Dyer
as Coco
Daveed Diggs
as Damrish
Billy Magnussen
as Bryson
John Malkovich
as Piers
Mig Macario
as Cloudio
Nitya Vidyasagar
as Gita
Rob Brownstein
as Jim
Pamela Shaddock
as LAMA Curator
Marco Rodríguez
as Ray Ruskinspear
Gregory Cruz
as Ben
Crew
Director
- Dan Gilroy
Writer
- Dan Gilroy
Producer
- Jennifer Fox
Reviews
Gimly
Was I disappointed? Taking in to consideration the fact that I'm being delivered _Velvet Buzzsaw_ by the same writer, director, and star as _Nightcrawler_, honestly, yes. But that is a very high bar to try and meet, falling short of it is none too heinous an offence. On its own merits, _Velvet Buzzsaw_ features some magnificent acting, cool effects, engaging plotline, despicable characters and a hefty dose of originality. It's not a perfect film, it's probably not even a great film, but I've started years off in far worse ways before.
_Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
Feb 3, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Mystery/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Velvet Buzzsaw presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by blending supernatural elements with realistic human reactions.
Director Dan Gilroy 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 2019, 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 Velvet Buzzsaw took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $21.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 113 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1137 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- 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 Velvet Buzzsaw shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Countdown, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Velvet Buzzsaw subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Smash Cuts! Super Sci-Fi Shorts Fest and 28 Weeks Later explore similar territory, Velvet Buzzsaw stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 1, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Budget: $21,000,000
Where to Watch
