Cast
View AllJohn Hutton
as Claude Shannon
Judith Ivey
as Betty Shannon
Kaliswa Brewster
as Michelle
Andrew Pastides
as Claude Shannon (young man)
Olivia Gilliatt
as Norma Levor
V.J. Scarpaci
as Claude Shannon (boy)
Toleeya Napolitano
as Young girl neighbor
Adam Heller
as Psychoanalyst
Cleve Asbury
as Bell Labs Engineer
Mark Lyons
as Bell Labs Engineer
Randall McNeal
as Bell Labs Engineer
Andrew Patrick Nelson
as Bell Labs Engineer
Michael Rose
as Bell Labs Engineer
Remi Sandri
as Bell Labs Engineer
Geoff Schuppert
as Bell Labs Engineer
Crew
Director
- Mark Levinson
Producer
- Mark Levinson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Bit Player 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 Mark Levinson 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 The Bit Player took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1286 individual shots.
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 The Bit Player shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Welcome to Babel, which focuses more on action than character development, The Bit Player subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Grizzly Man and Renegade: The Life Story of David Icke explore similar territory, The Bit Player 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: May 29, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 25m
