Cast
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Emma Thompson
as Katherine Newbury
Mindy Kaling
as Molly Patel
Max Casella
as Burditt
Hugh Dancy
as Charlie Fain
Denis O'Hare
as Brad
Reid Scott
as Tom Campbell
Amy Ryan
as Caroline Morton
Paul Walter Hauser
as Mancusco
John Early
as Reynolds
John Lithgow
as Walter Lovell
Megalyn Echikunwoke
as Robin
Ike Barinholtz
as Daniel Tennant
Annaleigh Ashford
as Mimi Mismatch
Halston Sage
as Zoe Martlin
Marc Kudisch
as Billy Katsner
Crew
Director
- Nisha Ganatra
Producer
- Howard Klein
- Ben Browning
- Mindy Kaling
- Jillian Apfelbaum
Reviews
SWITCH.
Is ‘Late Night’ a perfect film? No. It could have used a few tweaks in the edit suite, and a couple more on the page. Yes, the “woman”, “women in comedy” and “woman of colour” angles are pushed and pushed hard - but then again, isn’t that what the movie is about? Nothing is too in-your-face or shoved down your throat, but you will notice it as these are things you don’t often come across in cinema (or ever). I just would have preferred if Kaling’s character had the personal and professional résumé to be right as well as just righteous, but that’s just me. Either way, she’s great and holds her own against the dynamo force that is Thompson, relishing in her element as a smart, powerful female with a mean streak. ‘Late Night’ is definitely worth the privilege of our time.
- Jess Fenton
Read Jess' full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-late-night-the-ladies-of-comedy-have-come-to-make-waves
Aug 3, 2019
CinemaSerf
This had the potential to delver quite an insightful look into the workings of a late-night talkshow, but regrettably this opportunity was largely wasted. Emma Thompson plays the role of host "Katherine Newbury" well, but her character is pretty unlikeable and probably deserves for her tired old show to be cancelled. Mindy Kaling's "Molly" is the new kid on the writing team with the nouse to reverse the decline and re-establish her boss as a success, but again her persona doesn't really engage either. Sadly, the film is completely devoid of humour and aside from the few scenes with John Lithgow, is pretty unremarkable. Perhaps not quite meritorious of the "privilege of your time".
May 29, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Late Night 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 Nisha Ganatra 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 Late Night took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 461 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 877 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- 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 Late Night shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Ordinaries, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Late Night subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Frühstück mit einer Unbekannten and Mutants explore similar territory, Late Night 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: January 25, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Budget: $4,000,000
- Revenue: $22,384,741
Where to Watch
