Cast
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Jessica Lange
as Lillian Hall
Kathy Bates
as Edith Wilson
Jesse Williams
as David Flemming
Lily Rabe
as Margaret Tanner
Pierce Brosnan
as Ty Maynard
Michael Rose
as Carson
Cindy Hogan
as Jane Stone
Keith Arthur Bolden
as Dr. DeMayo
Jonathan Horne
as George Tanner
Clayton Landey
as Alvin Williams
Allison Mackie
as Flo
Bryan McClure
as Keith
David Vaughn
as Phil
Katerina Eichenberger
as Anya
David Chin
as Trofimov
Crew
Director
- Michael Cristofer
Producer
- Bruce Cohen
- Steven Rogers
- Marie Halliday
- Scott Thigpen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Great Lillian Hall 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 Cristofer 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 2024, 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 The Great Lillian Hall took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 174 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 69 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2024, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Great Lillian Hall shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike La Flambée, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Great Lillian Hall subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Sonata and The Fighting Heart explore similar territory, The Great Lillian Hall 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: June 30, 2024
- Runtime: 1h 51m
Where to Watch
