Cast
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Julia Sarah Stone
as Elizabeth
Gil Bellows
as Phil
Dolly Parton
as Dolly Parton (voice)
Macha Grenon
as Marion
Chantele Francis
as Gloria
Dawn Ford
as Off Camera Performance
Trevor Hayes
as Ken Kowalski
Rebecca Croll
as Stella Kowalski
Léa Roy
as Lana
Mung-Ling Tsui
as Chinese Woman
Keenan Lehmann
as Boy in station wagon
Rebecca Windheim
as Annabelle
Will Woytowich
as US Border Guard
Emma Elle Paterson
as Shelly
Keir Cutler
as Senior US Customs Agent
Crew
Director
- Tara Johns
Writer
- Tara Johns
Producer
- Barbara Shrier
- Liz Jarvis
- Theresa Piercy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom 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 Tara Johns 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 2011, 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 Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Harold and Maude, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Driving Miss Daisy and Popular Music explore similar territory, The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom 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: March 4, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 35m
Where to Watch
