Cast
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Crew
Director
- Tony Grech-Smith
- Vicky Jones
Writer
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Producer
- Francesca Moody
- Megan Ellison
- Sue Naegle
- Kevin Emrick
- Skye Optican
Reviews
SWITCH.
This recent revival of ‘Fleabag’ will likely be the last time Phoebe Waller-Bridge performs her masterful creation on stage. In fact, with no prospect of a third season, we may never see her play the character again. Because of this, having the opportunity in Australia to see her groundbreaking masterpiece is one you simply cannot miss. ‘Fleabag’ has changed the cultural landscape. It’s altered the way we thinking about storytelling, the presentation and representation of women's stories, and alerted us all to how much we desperately want to hear them. What Waller-Bridge and Vicky Jones have created is one of the theatrical events of the century so far. Thank goodness for National Theatre Live for bringing it to an even wider audience.
- Daniel Lammin
Read Daniel's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-nt-live-fleabag-the-birth-of-phoebe-waller-bridges-masterwork
Oct 10, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, National Theatre Live: Fleabag 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 Tony Grech-Smith 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 critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of National Theatre Live: Fleabag took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1980 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 421 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While National Theatre Live: Fleabag shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Proof, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, National Theatre Live: Fleabag offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Parent Trap and Julius Caesar - Live at Shakespeare's Globe explore similar territory, National Theatre Live: Fleabag 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: September 12, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 21m
