Cast
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Carol Burnett
as Narrator (voice)
Danny DeVito
as George Johnson (voice)
Carrie Fisher
as Alice Conway (voice)
Rhea Perlman
as Rose Johnson (voice)
Henry Winkler
as Carl Conway (voice)
Cassandra Coblentz
as Molly Conway (voice)
Gini Holtzman
as Mary O'Connell (voice)
Jeremy Schoenberg
as Joey Fabrizio (voice)
Danny Colby
as Tommy Johnson (voice)
Karrie Ullman
as Darlene Kashitani (voice)
Carl Steven
as Woody Coleman (voice) (as Carl Stevens)
Dana Ferguson
as Dom Fabrizio (voice)
Brett Johnson
as What's-His-Name (voice)
Keri Houlihan
as Molly's Daughter (voice)
June Foray
as Ms. McCullough (voice)
Crew
Director
- Bill Melendez
- Steven Cuitlahuac Melendez
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Happily Ever After 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 Bill Melendez 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 1985, 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 Happily Ever After took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 56 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 2316 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Happily Ever After shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Seventeen, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Happily Ever After offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Island of Thirty Coffins and The Bear explore similar territory, Happily Ever After stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: October 20, 1985
- Runtime: 56m
