Cast
View All
Al Pacino
as Joe Paterno
Kathy Baker
as Sue Paterno
Kenneth Maharaj
as MRI Tech
Michael Mastro
as Guido D'Elia
Joshua Morgan
as Bobby - Media Wrangler
Ross Degraw
as Sports Producer
Mitchell L. Mack
as Devon Smith
Larry Mitchell
as Jay Paterno
Darren Goldstein
as Mike McQueary
Riley Keough
as Sara Ganim
Nicholas Sadler
as Todd - Press Photographer
Sir Brodie
as Security Guard
Greg Grunberg
as Scott Paterno
Annie Parisse
as Mary Kay Paterno
Vito Vitiello
as Sports Director
Crew
Director
- Barry Levinson
Writer
- Debora Cahn
- John C. Richards
Producer
- Amy Herman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Paterno 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 Barry Levinson 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 Paterno took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 157 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 812 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
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 Paterno shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, which focuses more on action than character development, Paterno subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Hoax and Mae West and the Men Who Knew Her explore similar territory, Paterno 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.
