Cast
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Matthew Rhys
as Lloyd Vogel
Tom Hanks
as Fred Rogers
Chris Cooper
as Jerry Vogel
Susan Kelechi Watson
as Andrea Vogel
Maryann Plunkett
as Joanne Rogers
Enrico Colantoni
as Bill Isler
Wendy Makkena
as Dorothy Vogel
Tammy Blanchard
as Lorraine Vogel
Noah Harpster
as Todd
Carmen Cusack
as Margy Whitmer
Kelley Davis
as First AD
Christine Lahti
as Ellen
Maddie Corman
as Betty Aberlin
Daniel Krell
as Mr. McFeely
Jon L Peacock
as Sound Technician
Crew
Director
- Marielle Heller
Producer
- Peter Saraf
- Youree Henley
- Marc Turtletaub
- Leah Holzer
Reviews
SWITCH.
Quirky, unique, beautiful, even dark yet moving, 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood' shatters all expectations and leaves you with a sense of peace and understanding. Featuring performances by the incomparable Tom Hanks who does a better Mr Rogers than Mr Rogers himself and the always transfixing Matthew Rhys, this will be a fitting and satisfactorily addition to the legacy of this adored American hero.
- Jess Fenton
Read Jess' full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-a-beautiful-day-in-the-neighbourhood-mr-rogers-healing-the-world-one-lost-soul-at-a-time
Jan 12, 2020
Gimly
Not what I was expecting. Better than I was expecting. What a genuinely interesting film, I felt I was given real insight. I have no way of knowing if that's true or not of course, but I felt it, and that arguably matters more when it comes to filmmaking.
_Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
Jan 17, 2020
Peter McGinn
I have expectations when watching a Tom Hanks movie. He is one of the great actors, obviously, and he inhabits his roles. So when he plays an actual person, especially a familiar character like Mr. Rogers, there is a second level beyond nailing the character where he needs to give a nuanced performance, beyond just mimicking the traits. This is a tough role and he handles it well, I believe.
I am sure I knew at some point in the past that Mr. Rogers was a minister, but I had forgotten, so the religious aspects didn't do much for me. But I guess it is as good an explanation as any as to why he was such a relentlessly nice person. I am not a believer, but if all believers were like Mr. Rogers, I would have no issues with religion.
As a side note, and please indulge me here, our daughter is obsessive compulsive and when Queen Sara wasn't featured in an episode, she would throw a fit worthy of the Rain Man, so this was an important program in our house. (We learned to have an episode with the Queen on a vhs tape for those days when she didn't appear on the scheduled show.) so it was interesting for me to get a behind the scenes glimpse of the history and making of the show. But it doesn't overwhelm the plot either.
So I heartily recommend this movie. I also recommend the article this movie is based on. It is available online if you do a duck duck go search for it.
Apr 2, 2020
tbartoldus
A lovely movie, especially for those of us who grew up watching Mister Rogers. It inspires compassion and reminded me, and I hope other viewers, that individual actions can and do make the world kinder and more peaceful. I found it a little slow in a few parts but is an overall engaging and clever film and not overly sentimental. Highly recommend.
Apr 3, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood 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 Marielle Heller 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 Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 271 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- 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 A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Talk to Her, which focuses more on action than character development, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like 8 Mile and Paradise Now explore similar territory, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood 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: September 7, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Revenue: $67,900,000
Where to Watch
