Cast
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Peter Berg
as Frank Lovegren
Brian Wimmer
as Willie Husband
Marcia Gay Harden
as Joy Husband
Cassy Friel
as Little Jessica Husband
Peter Gallagher
as Bob Freeman
Ross Malinger
as Little Donald Freeman
Luce Rains
as Duane Gardener (as Steven Schwartz-Hartley)
Janeane Garofalo
as Counter Girl
Bo Brundin
as Dr. Dan Chilblains
John Prosky
as Officer Tom Bostich
Donald Hotton
as Dr. Chris Underwood
Kyle Secor
as Leland Shakes
Pat Finn-Lee
as Susan
Colleen Flynn
as Jessica Husband
Richard Steinmetz
as Donald Freeman
Crew
Director
- W.D. Richter
Writer
- Mark Andrus
Producer
- Dan Lupovitz
- W.D. Richter
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Late for Dinner examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director W.D. Richter 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 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Late for Dinner took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1803 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 127 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Late for Dinner shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Déjà Vu, which focuses more on action than character development, Late for Dinner subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Time Shifters and Doctor Who: The Chase explore similar territory, Late for Dinner 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: September 20, 1991
- Runtime: 1h 39m
