Cast
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Helen Mirren
as Betty McLeish
Ian McKellen
as Roy Courtnay
Russell Tovey
as Steven
Jim Carter
as Vincent
Mark Lewis Jones
as Bryn
Laurie Davidson
as Hans Taub (1948)
Phil Dunster
as Roy Courtnay (1948)
Lucian Msamati
as Beni
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson
as Vlad
Tunji Kasim
as Michael
Spike White
as Hans Taub (1943)
Stella Stocker
as Frau Schröder
Daniel Betts
as Herr Schröder
Nell Williams
as Lili
Celine Buckens
as Annalise
Crew
Director
- Bill Condon
Producer
- Greg Yolen
- Bill Condon
Reviews
Manuel São Bento
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Exquisite performances from two all-time greats: Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren. They carry the whole film on their shoulders, and it's mostly due to their extremely captivating displays that I genuinely enjoyed this movie. Unfortunately, its screenplay lacks believability and some creativity since the key components of the story are predictable from the get-go.
Rating: B
Feb 18, 2020
JPV852
Great performances from both McKellan and Mirren which isn't surprising, but the final act with the reveal of the twist might've been unpredictable, but I like my mystery-thrillers to throw in some clues leading up to it, which this one was out of left field. For the performances might be worth checking out, but the plot almost undid all that was working up until the reveal. **2.75/5**
Feb 19, 2020
Thematic Analysis
The Good Liar represents a fascinating example of Crime 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 Bill Condon 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 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 The Good Liar took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 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 159 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2237 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 48 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Good Liar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cut Off, which focuses more on action than character development, The Good Liar offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Policeman's Lineage and Fun with Dick and Jane explore similar territory, The Good Liar stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: November 8, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $33,856,058
