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At The Maple Grove

At The Maple Grove (2014)

Jan 01, 2014 1h 50m Drama Music Crime

Driven by a desire to live forever through cinema, aspiring filmmaker Nathaniel Heaton sets out to fuse his life into the narrative of a movie in this film-within-a-film. Both a dreamer and a romantic, Heaton escapes his estranged relationships, professional failures, and concerns of mortality by retreating more and more into the world of the movie that exists in his imagination... a world where gangsters close in and a struggling old nightclub prepares for what may be its final show.

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Directed by Christopher Zatta

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Christopher Zatta
Writer
  • Christopher Zatta
Producer
  • Alison Zatta
  • Christopher Zatta
  • Lyman Creason
  • Michel DeAscentiis

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, At The Maple Grove 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 Christopher Zatta 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 2014, 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 At The Maple Grove took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 165 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 892 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2014, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • 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 At The Maple Grove shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike All That Jazz, which focuses more on action than character development, At The Maple Grove subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Trip and Love Object explore similar territory, At The Maple Grove 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: January 1, 2014
  • Runtime: 1h 50m

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