Cast
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Kevin Kline
as Henry Harrison
Paul Dano
as Louis Ives
Katie Holmes
as Mary Powell
John C. Reilly
as Gershon Gruen
Dan Hedaya
as Aresh
Alicia Goranson
as Sandra
Patti D'Arbanville
as Katherine Hart
Celia Weston
as Meredith Lagerfeld
John Pankow
as George
Marisa Ryan
as Tanya
Marian Seldes
as Vivian Cudlip
Lynn Cohen
as Lois Huber
Jason Butler Harner
as Otto Bellman
Jackie Hoffman
as Pushy Woman
Alex Burns
as Brad
Crew
Director
- Shari Springer Berman
- Robert Pulcini
Producer
- Anthony Bregman
- Stephanie Davis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Extra Man represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Shari Springer Berman 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 2010, 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 Extra Man took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $7.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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 The Extra Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Little Miss Sunshine, which focuses more on action than character development, The Extra Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Annaluise & Anton and Shrek explore similar territory, The Extra Man 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: August 1, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Budget: $7,000,000
- Revenue: $453,079
Where to Watch
