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Driveways

Driveways (2020)

Dec 17, 2020 1h 23m Drama

Eight-year-old Cody is spending the summer in an unfamiliar setting with his mom Kathy. Though he can't relate to the neighbourhood kids, things take an unexpected turn when he develops an unusual friendship with grouchy old Del from next door.

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Directed by Andrew Ahn

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Andrew Ahn
Writer
  • Paul Thureen
  • Hannah Bos
Producer
  • James Schamus
  • Joe Pirro
  • Nicolaas Bertelsen
  • Celine Rattray
  • Trudie Styler

Reviews

SWITCH.
10/10

Graced by a completely unexpected performance from Brian Dennehy that is by far the best of his career, 'Driveways' is a richly realised drama that doesn't overplay its lessons on life, but contains them, warmly embracing values that another film might have simply ignored.
- Jake Watt

Read Jake's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-driveways-a-story-of-rare-emotional-depth-and-sensitivity

Aug 13, 2020

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Driveways 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 Andrew Ahn 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 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Driveways took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 274 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Driveways 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 Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Driveways subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Sharp Stick and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie explore similar territory, Driveways 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: December 17, 2020
  • Runtime: 1h 23m

Where to Watch

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