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Hollywood Ending

Hollywood Ending (2002)

May 03, 2002 1h 52m Comedy Drama

Woody Allen stars as Val Waxman, a two-time Oscar winner turned washed-up, neurotic director in desperate need of a comeback. When it comes, Waxman finds himself backed into a corner: Work for his ex-wife Ellie or forfeit his last shot. Is Val blinded by love when he opts for the reconnect? Is love blind when it comes to Ellie's staunch support? Literally and figuratively, the proof is the picture.

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Directed by Woody Allen

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Woody Allen
Producer
  • Letty Aronson

Reviews

Andres Gomez
7/10

Classical Woody Allen movie, script and performance. Funny at times, but not one of the best ones.

Sep 25, 2014

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Hollywood Ending 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 Woody Allen 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 2002, 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 Hollywood Ending took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $16.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 2249 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2002, when this film is released:
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Hollywood Ending shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Senseless, which focuses more on action than character development, Hollywood Ending subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Redbelt and Bad Education explore similar territory, Hollywood Ending 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: May 3, 2002
  • Runtime: 1h 52m
  • Budget: $16,000,000
  • Revenue: $14,569,236

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