Cast
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Anthony Mackie
as Marcus Washington
Kerry Washington
as Patricia Wilson
Wendell Pierce
as David Gordon
Jamie Hector
as 'DoRight' Miller
Kevin C. Walls
as Police Officer
Tariq Trotter
as Bostic Washington
Amari Cheatom
as Jimmy Dixon
Nakia Dillard
as T.T
Ron Simons
as Carey Ford
Thomas Roy
as Old Man Harrison
Tariq Rasheed
as Neil Wilson
Whitney Wilcox
as Child in Kitchen
Matthew Russell
as Young Detective
Steve Kaufmann
as Cop #2
Jamara Griffin
as Iris Wilson
Crew
Director
- Tanya Hamilton
Writer
- Tanya Hamilton
Producer
- Ron Simons
- Tanya Hamilton
- Jason Orans
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Night Catches Us 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 Tanya Hamilton 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 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 Night Catches Us took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2010, 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 Night Catches Us shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike In the Navel of the Sea, which focuses more on action than character development, Night Catches Us subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dazed and Confused and Charly explore similar territory, Night Catches Us 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: December 3, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
