Cast
View All
Megan Hilty
as Patsy Cline
Jessie Mueller
as Loretta Lynn
Kyle Schmid
as Charlie Dick
Janine Turner
as Hilda Hensley
Joe Tippett
as Doolittle Lynn
Billy Slaughter
as Randy Hughes
Justice Leak
as Doyle Wilburn
Jason Loughlin
as Teddy Wilburn
Jeremy Childs
as Lamar Sneed
Jane McNeill
as Whiskey Soaked Lady
Wynn Everett
as Jeanette Davis
Natalie Renee Long
as Dottie West
Erin Beute
as June Carter
Jake Etheridge
as Bill West
Hayden Blane
as Blonde (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Callie Khouri
Writer
- Angelina Burnett
Producer
- Michael Lohmann
Reviews
Peter McGinn
This movie seems to me to be exactly what it sets out to be: an old fashion Lifetime channel woman’s biopic movie. Not a lot of swearing, violence or sex, and that is fine. I don’t require that trio of shock material when I watch a production.
The two leads did a fine job in my opinion, both in the acting and singing. (The woman playing Loretta has won a Tony award, so singing is definitely in her wheelhouse.) The supporting cast is fairly invisible but not from a lack of trying. The guys playing the rotten husbands are stuck in the rut of the cliche role they play and do the best they can under those circumstances.
If you have watched programs or movies about these singers, some of this seems repetitious, nothing remarkable done with details of their lives. What is it about husbands of wildly successful women that they feel it their duty to submerge into drinking, sleeping around and being abusive to their meal tickets? I dare say I could have done better in their place. But the ladies’ eyes probably would have passed right over regular guys in favor of these brash outgoing cads.
So the film held my interest, though as a novel writer I did find some of it oh so familiar. It would have been nice if they had shuffled the husbands more into the background and focused on other stuff: their children, the details of their songwriting, or whatever. But is was a Lifetime movie, and rotten husbands do make good melodrama I suppose.
May 3, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Patsy & Loretta 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 Callie Khouri 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 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 Patsy & Loretta took approximately 21 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 121 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1691 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 55 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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 Patsy & Loretta shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Saina, which focuses more on action than character development, Patsy & Loretta offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Barbara Stanwyck: Fire and Desire and Anjelica Huston on James Joyce: A Shout in the Street explore similar territory, Patsy & Loretta stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: October 19, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 23m
