Cast
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Don McLean
as Self
Garth Brooks
as Self
Peter Gallagher
as Self
'Weird Al' Yankovic
as Self
Harvey Mason Jr.
as Self
Jade Bird
as Self
Jencarlos Canela
as Self
Maffio
as Self
Brian Wilson
as Self (archive footage)
Buddy Holly
as Self (archive footage)
Ritchie Valens
as Self (archive footage)
The Big Bopper
as Self (archive footage)
Austin Brown
as Self
Rob Lundquist
as Self
Adam Rupp
as Self
Crew
Director
- Mark Moormann
Producer
- Spencer Proffer
- Dave Harding
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's "American Pie" represents a fascinating example of Documentary/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Mark Moormann 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, 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 Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's "American Pie" took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 241 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's "American Pie" shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Buena Vista Social Club: Adios, which focuses more on action than character development, The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's "American Pie" offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Dalida Forever!: The Greatest Hits Over 40 Years and Iceland: Beyond Sigur Rós explore similar territory, The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's "American Pie" 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: July 8, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
