Cast
View All
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
as James Frey
Billy Bob Thornton
as Leonard
Odessa Young
as Lilly
Giovanni Ribisi
as John
Juliette Lewis
as Joanne
Dash Mihok
as Lincoln
Charles Parnell
as Miles
Ryan Hurst
as Hank
David Dastmalchian
as Roy
Tom Amandes
as Dr. Baker
Charlie Hunnam
as Bob Frey Jr.
Andy Mackenzie
as Thug
Eugene Byrd
as Matty
Andy Buckley
as Dr. Stevens
Keith Barber
as Old White Man
Crew
Director
- Sam Taylor-Johnson
Producer
- Brad Weston
- Alex Heineman
- Andrew Rona
- Pamela Abdy
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Sam Taylor-Johnson
Reviews
CinemaSerf
As long as we remember that this is a work of fiction, then it isn't a bad little runner. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and an extremely dapper Billy Bob Thornton engender some interest in their characters and as such, you do find yourself starting to care for them. ATJ plays an out-of-control druggie with little, he thinks, to live for; is sent to a rehab centre and meets Lilly (Odessa Young). The film develops sensitively - if, at times, angrily - and does offer us a little considered insight into the worlds of the carers and the cared-for. Nothing you won't have seen (or, likely, read) before and it is maybe just a bit too long, but it does deserve a viewing.
Mar 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Million Little Pieces 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 Sam Taylor-Johnson 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 2019, 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 A Million Little Pieces took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 113 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 480 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Million Little Pieces shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Contact, which focuses more on action than character development, A Million Little Pieces offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Bridges of Madison County and Manhattan explore similar territory, A Million Little Pieces 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: August 30, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 53m
Where to Watch
