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Lady O'Loughlin

Lady O'Loughlin (2020)

May 04, 2020 53m Documentary

A documentary about a recovering alcoholic and addict – especially one whose story we're already broadly familiar with – doesn't sound like a great night's entertainment. But this compact and moving film made by Fiona O'Loughlin's mate, Sam Petersen, is not just thoughtful, it's also often very funny. Petersen follows O'Loughlin from the time she leaves rehab in 2016 (she spent seven days in a coma following an epic binge) to her return to the Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2018 – including a relapse that put her back in hospital again. As you might expect, many gags are cracked. Truths are told. But this is also an exploration of the way the live-comedy scene is a natural home to excess, and the dangers of the misguided but entrenched association between creativity, and drugs and alcohol. Source: The Age newspaper (https://www.theage.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/twisting-british-thriller-is-the-stuff-of-any-parent-s-nightmares-and-it-s-really-really-good-20200504-p54po9.html)

Directed by Sam Petersen

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Sam Petersen
Producer
  • Rebekah Holt
  • Sam Petersen

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Thematic Analysis

Lady O'Loughlin 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 Sam Petersen 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 2020, 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 Lady O'Loughlin took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 53 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The film contains approximately 2288 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Lady O'Loughlin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Christina P: Mom Genes, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Lady O'Loughlin subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Best of Stand-up 2020 and The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall explore similar territory, Lady O'Loughlin stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: May 4, 2020
  • Runtime: 53m