Cast
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Sam Worthington
as Nick Cassidy
Elizabeth Banks
as Lydia Mercer
Jamie Bell
as Joey Cassidy
Anthony Mackie
as Mike Ackerman
Edward Burns
as Jack Dougherty
Genesis Rodriguez
as Angie
Ed Harris
as David Englander
Titus Welliver
as Dante Marcus
Kyra Sedgwick
as Suzie Morales
J. Smith-Cameron
as Psychiatrist
Robert Clohessy
as Prison Guard
Mandy Gonzalez
as Manager
William Sadler
as Valet
Afton Williamson
as Janice Ackerman
Jonathan Walker
as Investor
Crew
Director
- Asger Leth
Producer
- Mark Vahradian
- Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Reviews
The Movie Mob
**Man On A Ledge surprises with a story that weaves itself from genre to genre, keeping its audience guessing what comes next.**
Man On A Ledge builds an intriguing plot that takes twists and turns from stopping a jumper to catching a prison escapee to robbing a vault to uncovering corrupt cops. This movie crams in so much in its short runtime, keeping the pace and energy high. There is no time for boredom. Check your phone, and you might miss something. Sam Worthington captivates audiences and is a sympathetic mastermind who pulls on the heartstrings while enacting his revenge. Man On A Ledge throws new challenges at the characters forcing them to get creative and adapt, keeping the movie fresh with its inexperienced characters attempting an ambitious heist. While all of its different story elements are simple or common on their own, these different plot pieces combine to make a fresh, fun, and entertaining heist film.
Sep 25, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Man on a Ledge distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Asger Leth 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 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 Man on a Ledge took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $42.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Man on a Ledge shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Once Upon a Time in America, which focuses more on action than character development, Man on a Ledge subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Eyes Wide Shut and Inside Man explore similar territory, Man on a Ledge 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: January 13, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Budget: $42,000,000
- Revenue: $46,221,189
Where to Watch
