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Space Cowboys

Space Cowboys (2000)

Frank Corvin, ‘Hawk’ Hawkins, Jerry O'Neill and ‘Tank’ Sullivan were hotdog members of Project Daedalus, the Air Force's test program for space travel, but their hopes were dashed in 1958 with the formation of NASA and the use of trained chimps. They blackmail their way into orbit when Russia's mysterious ‘Ikon’ communications satellite's orbit begins to degrade and threatens to crash to Earth.

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Directed by Clint Eastwood

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Clint Eastwood
Producer
  • Andrew Lazar
  • Clint Eastwood

Reviews

r96sk
7/10

Something just doesn't quite feel right about <em>'Space Cowboys'</em>.

It's good, but it always feels like it's stuck in second gear to me. I was anticipating more based on the cast, but even they are a little underwhelming. it's relative to what I was expecting, as Eastwood is still solid, Tommy Lee Jones and Donald Sutherland too, and the plot is satisfactory; even if I would've shaved off 15-25 minutes. An interesting piece of casting, btw, is the film debut of one Jon Hamm.

Borderline forgettable, but nothing bad. It narrowly gets a 3* rating from yours truly.

Feb 8, 2022

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Adventure/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Space Cowboys distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Clint Eastwood 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 2000, 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 Space Cowboys took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $65.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 176 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 376 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2000, when this film is released:
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Space Cowboys shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Aliens, which focuses more on action than character development, Space Cowboys subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Gattaca and Silent Running explore similar territory, Space Cowboys 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: August 4, 2000
  • Runtime: 2h 10m
  • Budget: $65,000,000
  • Revenue: $128,900,000

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
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