Cast
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Laura Harrington
as Anne
Joe Mastroianni
as Joey
Carole McGill
as Gracie
Peter Riegert
as Tim
James Carrington
as Steve
Lawrence K. Philips
as The Stripper
Geraldine Baron
as Monica
Colleen Camp
as Rose
Janice Green
as Sugar
Rosanne Katon
as Ira
Eugene Robert Glazer
as The Man in the Hotel
Ilena Vasanas
as The Body Builder
Douglas Wiley
as Harvey
David Avis
as Champagne Sam
Charles Dennis
as Alan (voice)
Crew
Director
- Martha Coolidge
Writer
- Leonard-John Gates
- Judith Thompson
Producer
- Martha Coolidge
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The City Girl examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Martha Coolidge 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 1984, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The City Girl took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The City Girl shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Italian for Beginners, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The City Girl subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Secret Life of Words and War Pony explore similar territory, The City Girl 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 17, 1984
- Runtime: 1h 25m
