Cast
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Glenn Close
as Linda Spector
James Woods
as Michael Spector
Mary Stuart Masterson
as Lucy Moore
Kevin Dillon
as Sam
Linda Darlow
as Lawyer Susan Drew
Jane Greer
as Michael's Mother
Jessica James
as Bessie
Mimi Kennedy
as Eli's Mom
Charles Levin
as Eli's Dad
Harrison Mohr
as Eli
Matthew Moore
as Jason
Kristin Sanderson
as Kristin (“Picasso”)
Merrilyn Gann
as Kristin’s Mom
Wendy Van Riesen
as Pregnant Woman
Ashlee MacMilliam
as Girl at Puppet Show
Crew
Director
- Jonathan Kaplan
Writer
- Barbara Benedek
Producer
- Midge Sanford
- Sarah Pillsbury
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Immediate Family 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 Jonathan Kaplan 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 1989, 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 Immediate Family took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1788 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Immediate Family shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, which focuses more on action than character development, Immediate Family subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Secrets & Lies and The Christ of the Ocean explore similar territory, Immediate Family stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: October 27, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 35m
