Cast
View AllJoseph Aniska
as Ronald Slayback
Douglas Rizzo Johnson
as Trevor Jones
Raul S. Julia
as Harry
Elizabeth Ruf
as Viola
Eileen Paulino
as Flo
Joe Hardy Wiley
as The Narrator
Charles Colter
as Marco
Wade Mylius
as Ray the Landlord
Robert Walker
as Knife Class Teacher
Kathy Richter
as Marie Guvment / Social Worker (Theatre Scenes)
J. Crickets
as Tonto 'The Balletic Bronco' / Travis (Theatre Scenes)
Crew
Director
- Joseph Aniska
- Larry Traiger
Writer
- Joseph Aniska
- Larry Traiger
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, It's a Wondrous Life 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 Joseph Aniska 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 2018, 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 It's a Wondrous Life took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.1 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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
Details
- Release Date: June 9, 2018
- Runtime: 2h
- Budget: $50,000