Cast
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Gillian Anderson
as Meredith
Ellen Burstyn
as Mildred
Sean Connery
as Paul
Anthony Edwards
as Roger
Angelina Jolie
as Joan
Jay Mohr
as Mark
Ryan Phillippe
as Keenan
Dennis Quaid
as Hugh
Gena Rowlands
as Hannah
Jon Stewart
as Trent
Madeleine Stowe
as Gracie
Patricia Clarkson
as Allison
April Grace
as Valery
Alec Mapa
as Lana
Christian Mills
as Phillip
Crew
Director
- Willard Carroll
Writer
- Willard Carroll
Producer
- Meg Liberman
- Thomas L. Wilhite
- Willard Carroll
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Playing by Heart 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 Willard Carroll 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 1998, 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 Playing by Heart took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 121 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 179 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2394 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1998, 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 Playing by Heart shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Aftersun, which focuses more on action than character development, Playing by Heart subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Intimates and Looking for Venera explore similar territory, Playing by Heart stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: December 30, 1998
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $3,970,078
