Cast
View All
Nick Nolte
as Lee Umstetter
Ernie Hudson
as Bagdad
Rita Taggart
as Lillian Bingington
Mark Rolston
as Dave
Lane Smith
as Claude
John Toles-Bey
as Navarro
Joe Mantegna
as Carmine
Essex Smith
as Vocalist
Sam L. Waymon
as Vocalist
Orville Stoeber
as Lead Guitar
Cyro Baptista
as Bass Guitar
J.J. Johnston
as Lazarus
William Forsythe
as Burt the Booster
Anne Ramsey
as Mom Umstetter
Ray Reinhardt
as Pop Umstetter
Crew
Director
- John D. Hancock
Writer
- John D. Hancock
- Dorothy Tristan
Producer
- Bill Badalato
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Weeds 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 John D. Hancock 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 1987, 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 Weeds took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2426 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Weeds shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Mother's Right: The Elizabeth Morgan Story, which focuses more on action than character development, Weeds offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Half Nelson and Buffalo '66 explore similar territory, Weeds 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: October 16, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 55m
