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Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock & Roll

Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock & Roll (2019)

May 22, 2019 1h 28m Documentary

The story of the long troubled town of Asbury Park, and how the power of music can unite a divided community. A once storied seaside resort, Asbury Park erupted in flames during a summer of civil unrest, crippling the town for the next 45 years and reducing it to a state of urban blight. A town literally divided by a set of railroad tracks, the riot destroyed the fabled Westside jazz and blues scene, but from the flames of the burning city emerged the iconic Jersey sound.

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Directed by Tom Jones

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Crew

Director
  • Tom Jones

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Thematic Analysis

Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock & Roll represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Tom Jones 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 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 Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock & Roll took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock & Roll shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Paul Auster: What If, which focuses more on action than character development, Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock & Roll offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Jersey Sound and Every Little Step explore similar territory, Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock & Roll 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: May 22, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 28m

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