Cast
View All
Alan Alda
as George Plimpton
Lauren Hutton
as Kate
Joe Schmidt
as Self
Alex Karras
as Self
John Gordy
as Self
Mike Lucci
as Self
Pat Studstill
as Self
Bill McPeak
as Self
Jim Martin
as Self
Jim David
as Self
Chuck Knox
as Self
John North
as Self
Carl Brettschneider
as Self
Roger Brown
as Self
Lem Barney
as Self
Crew
Director
- Alex March
Writer
- Lawrence Roman
Producer
- Stuart Millar
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Paper Lion represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Alex March 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1968, 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 Paper Lion took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1696 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1968, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Paper Lion shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Paper Lion subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch and M*A*S*H explore similar territory, Paper Lion 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: October 23, 1968
- Runtime: 1h 47m
