Cast
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Ellie Kemper
as Helen Carpenter
Luke Grimes
as Jake
Nico Santos
as Hugh
Blythe Danner
as Gigi
Ben Cook
as Beckett
Shayvawn Webster
as Windy
Julia Shiplett
as Sue
Gus Birney
as Kaylee
Esteban Benito
as Mason
Alexander Koch
as Duncan
Aaron Roman Weiner
as Mike
Mary Neely
as Lulu
Joel Blum
as Ricky
Asher Shovilin
as Nathan
Crew
Director
- Vicky Wight
Writer
- Vicky Wight
Producer
- Geoff Linville
- Vicky Wight
- Berry Meyerowitz
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Happiness for Beginners 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 Vicky Wight 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 2023, 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 Happiness for Beginners took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2476 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 148 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Happiness for Beginners shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Annie Hall, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Happiness for Beginners subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Almost Famous explore similar territory, Happiness for Beginners 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: July 23, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 43m
Where to Watch
