Cast
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Ashley Leggat
as Casey MacDonald
Michael Seater
as Derek Venturi
Daniel Magder
as Edwin Venturi
Jordan Todosey
as Lizzie MacDonald
Ariel Waller
as Marti Venturi
Joy Tanner
as Nora MacDonald
John Ralston
as George Venturi
Kate Trotter
as Felicia
Nico Archambault
as Jesse
Kristen Lee Gutoskie
as Roxy Dunbarton
Al Sapienza
as Doug Dunbarton
Danny Wells
as Mr. Sampson
Barbara Barnes-Hopkins
as Rosie
A.J. Saudin
as Oscar
Aidan Shipley
as Ben
Crew
Director
- Michael McGowan
Writer
- Daphne Ballon
Producer
- Stephen Montgomery
- Suzanne French
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Vacation with Derek 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 Michael McGowan 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 2010, 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 Vacation with Derek took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1951 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2010, 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 Vacation with Derek shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Monsieur Hulot's Holiday, which focuses more on action than character development, Vacation with Derek subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Thorn Castle and The Bear explore similar territory, Vacation with Derek 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: June 25, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 30m
