Cast
View AllBrodie Reed
as Brodie
Ellington Wells
as Ellington
David Gborie
as David
Francesca Fiorentini
as News Reporter
Biniam Bizuneh
as Pete
Opeyemi Olagbaju
as Opey
Chris Estrada
as Dom
Yusuf Ali
as Person in Line 1
Greg Edwards
as Person in Line 2
Papp Johnson
as Person in Line 3
Anyi Malik
as Person in Line 4
Stephen Agyei
as T-Shirt Guy
Ify Nwadiwe
as Ify
Jil Chrissie
as Jil
Alice Wetterlund
as Hiring Manager
Crew
Director
- Symone Baptiste
Writer
- Brodie Reed
- Ellington Wells
Producer
- Michelle Zei
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Sixteen Thousand Dollars represents a fascinating example of Comedy 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 Symone Baptiste 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 Sixteen Thousand Dollars took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 17 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 51 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
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 Sixteen Thousand Dollars shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Italian for Beginners, which focuses more on action than character development, Sixteen Thousand Dollars subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Smash Cuts! Super Sci-Fi Shorts Fest and Провинциаль explore similar territory, Sixteen Thousand Dollars 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: February 20, 2020
- Runtime: 17m
