Cast
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John Cusack
as John Kelso
Kevin Spacey
as James Williams
Jude Law
as Billy Carl Hanson
Alison Eastwood
as Mandy Nichols
Jack Thompson
as Sonny Seiler
Irma P. Hall
as Minerva
Paul Hipp
as Joe Odom
Lady Chablis
as Chablis Deveau
Dorothy Loudon
as Serena Dawes
Anne Haney
as Margaret Williams
Kim Hunter
as Betty Harty
Geoffrey Lewis
as Luther Driggers
Richard Herd
as Henry Skerridge
Leon Rippy
as Detective Boone
Bob Gunton
as Finley Largent
Crew
Director
- Clint Eastwood
Producer
- Arnold Stiefel
- Clint Eastwood
Reviews
r96sk
More enjoyable than I would've predicted.
I was expecting something more mysterious and thrilling, but <em>'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil'</em> manages to entertain nicely - despite a long run time, which I thought was going to hamper it but it didn't.
The cast are excellent. I really enjoyed John Cusack's performance and Kevin Spacey plays these sorta roles well. The Lady Chablis is another strong performer, while there are roles for a younger Jude Law, Clint Eastwood - the director - regular Geoffrey Lewis and, though very tiny, an on the brink of stardom James Gandolfini.
Well worth a watch!
Feb 7, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil 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 Clint Eastwood 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 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $35.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 155 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 204 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 191 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Panti Sisters, which focuses more on action than character development, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Jason's Lyric and Broken Sky explore similar territory, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil 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: November 21, 1997
- Runtime: 2h 35m
- Budget: $35,000,000
- Revenue: $25,100,000
