Cast
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Matthew Lillard
as Stevo
Michael A. Goorjian
as Bob
Annabeth Gish
as Trish
Jennifer Lien
as Sandy
Christopher McDonald
as Dad
Devon Sawa
as Sean
Jason Segel
as Mike
Adam Pascal
as Eddie
Til Schweiger
as Mark
James Duval
as John the Mod
Summer Phoenix
as Brandy
Chiara Barzini
as Jennifer
Kevin Breznahan
as Chris
Christina Karras
as Jamie
Russell Peacock
as Jones
Crew
Director
- James Merendino
Producer
- Sam Maydew
- Peter Ward
Reviews
Gimly
Maybe _SLC Punk_ isn't exactly an accurate portrayal of my life in alternative culture, Hell, maybe it isn't exactly an accurate portrayal of **anyone's** life in alternative culture, but seeing a movie where people belonging to alternative culture are actually **characters**? That was a massive deal to me growing up, and this alone would make me a fan of _SLC Punk_, but even aside from that there is its unique filming style, solid acting presence and intense philospohical questions to push it over the line into worthwhile.
_Final rating:★★★★ - Very strong appeal. A personal favourite._
Oct 26, 2018
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, SLC Punk 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 James Merendino 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 1998, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of SLC Punk took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.6 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1142 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While SLC Punk shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Architect, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, SLC Punk offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Around the Fire and Garage explore similar territory, SLC Punk 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: September 24, 1998
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $600,000
- Revenue: $299,200
