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Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)

Dec 21, 2007 1h 36m Comedy Music

Following a childhood tragedy, Dewey Cox follows a long and winding road to music stardom. Dewey perseveres through changing musical styles, an addiction to nearly every drug known and bouts of uncontrollable rage.

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Directed by Jake Kasdan

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jake Kasdan
Producer
  • Judd Apatow
  • Clayton Townsend
  • Jake Kasdan

Reviews

Kamurai
6/10

Decent watch at best, won't watch again, but can recommend.

I only recommend this as I think enough people like J.C. Reilly, and SNL style skits. This movie is essentially a long series of SNL sketches sewn together.

I'm not a fan of this style of writing because it doesn't seem to matter what order you put some of the bits in, it's just stopping the story to tell a joke or two, moving onto another joke or two, etc., until they decide to go back to the part of the movie that progresses the story.

Perhaps, watching a movie like this critically is counter intuitive, but even if I were to turn my brain off and enjoy it, I'm not a fan of drug humor, Dewey Cox is a jerk, and the music focused comedy isn't that good to me, despite the music actually being enjoyable itself. "Let's Duet" was really good though.

There something to like in here, and I can see it: it's just not enough to get me to come back when there are so many options out there.

Sep 25, 2020

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Thematic Analysis

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music 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 Jake Kasdan 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 2007, 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 Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $35.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 70 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2007, when this film is released:
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story 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 Ferpect Crime, which focuses more on action than character development, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Analyze This and The Adventures of Ford Fairlane explore similar territory, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story 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: December 21, 2007
  • Runtime: 1h 36m
  • Budget: $35,000,000
  • Revenue: $18,317,151