Cast
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Myles Cranford
as Old Homeless Man
Merrick McCartha
as Grandison
Shane P. Allen
as Mr. Vaugn
Christopher Salazar
as Joseph
Ghadir
as Jill
Raye Richards
as Hairdresser Coworker
Felicity Bryant
as Playground Girl
Marci Krown
as Melanie
Jennifer Paredes
as Auto Mechanic Clerk
Taylor Koster
as Salon Patron
Katelyn Katz
as Karin
Crew
Director
- Edreace Purmul
Writer
- Edreace Purmul
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Playground 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 Edreace Purmul 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 2017, 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 Playground took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 151 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 192 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 364 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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 Playground shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Beautiful Day, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Playground subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Edward Scissorhands and The Fisher King explore similar territory, The Playground 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: October 12, 2017
- Runtime: 2h 31m
Where to Watch
