Cast
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Chris Pine
as Sam Harper
Elizabeth Banks
as Frankie Davis
Olivia Wilde
as Hannah
Michelle Pfeiffer
as Lillian Harper
Mark Duplass
as Ted
Devin Brochu
as Simon
Barbara Eve Harris
as Mrs. Haney
Dean Chekvala
as Jerry
Sara Mornell
as Dr. Amanda Goldstein
Michael Hall D'Addario
as Josh Alan Davis
Philip Baker Hall
as Ike Rafferty
David Burrus
as Derek
Joseph Wise
as Danny
Gabriela Milla
as Lucy
Abhi Sinha
as Manager
Crew
Director
- Alex Kurtzman
Producer
- Bobby Cohen
- Clayton Townsend
- Roberto Orci
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, People Like Us 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 Alex Kurtzman 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 2012, 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 People Like Us took approximately 3 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 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 194 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2012, 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 People Like Us shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cellular, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, People Like Us subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like He's Just Not That Into You and 10 Items or Less explore similar territory, People Like Us stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: June 29, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Budget: $16,000,000
- Revenue: $12,434,778
