Cast
View All
Lucille Ball
as Florabelle
Daphne Zuniga
as Carrie Lang
William Converse-Roberts
as Max
Stephen Lang
as Tim
Susan Batson
as Ruby
Anna Maria Horsford
as Collins
Stefan Schnabel
as Mr. Berman
Rebecca Schull
as Mrs. Nelson
Imogene Bliss
as Violet
Michael Champagne
as Supermarket Manager
Gloria Cromwell
as Bus Terminal Matron
Patrick Kilpatrick
as Young Thug
Matthew Locricchio
as Tony
Pat McNamara
as Daggett
Josephine Nichols
as Bag Lady in Ladies' Room
Crew
Director
- George Schaefer
Writer
- Rose Leiman Goldemberg
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Stone Pillow 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 George Schaefer 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 reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Stone Pillow took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Stone Pillow shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike In the Wake, which focuses more on action than character development, Stone Pillow subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Love Your Female Neighbor! and Everything's Jake explore similar territory, Stone Pillow 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: November 5, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 40m
