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Tom's Restaurant - A Documentary About Everything

Tom's Restaurant - A Documentary About Everything (2014)

Dec 22, 2014 1h 30m Documentary

Tom's Restaurant is a diner located at 2880 Broadway (on the corner of 112th Street) in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. Frequented by artists, musicians, comedians, students and faculty of nearby Columbia University, it has been owned and operated by the Greek-American family of Minas Zoulis since the 1940s. Tom's Restaurant was the locale that inspired Suzanne Vega's 1987 song "Tom's Diner".

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Directed by Gian Franco Morini

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Gian Franco Morini
Writer
  • Gian Franco Morini

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Thematic Analysis

Tom's Restaurant - A Documentary About Everything represents a fascinating example of Documentary 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 Gian Franco Morini 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 2014, 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 Tom's Restaurant - A Documentary About Everything took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2014, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • 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 Tom's Restaurant - A Documentary About Everything shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, which focuses more on action than character development, Tom's Restaurant - A Documentary About Everything subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like How the West Was One and Raising Tennis Aces: The Williams Story explore similar territory, Tom's Restaurant - A Documentary About Everything 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 22, 2014
  • Runtime: 1h 30m
  • Budget: $25