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Sleight

Sleight (2016)

A young street magician is left to take care of his little sister after his mother's passing and turns to drug dealing in the Los Angeles party scene to keep a roof over their heads. When he gets into trouble with his supplier, his sister is kidnapped and he is forced to rely on both his sleight of hand and brilliant mind to save her.

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Directed by J.D. Dillard

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • J.D. Dillard
Writer
  • J.D. Dillard
  • Alex Theurer
Producer
  • Alex Theurer
  • Sean Tabibian
  • Eric B. Fleischman

Reviews

Gimly
6/10

Almost everything that happens in _Sleight_ made me think "Oh, this is just like where this happens in that other, better, movie". But the fact that it's original IP overall is refreshing, and just because someone else did it **better**, doesn't mean _Sleight_ doesn't do it very well.

_Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._

Jul 25, 2017

Vulco1
10/10

I saw this movie last year when it came out. I thought it was very cool and a nice take on the superhero origin story, along with "young black man makes it out of the ghetto" story. Not very believable towards the end, but the acting and the rules they established earlier on made it work.

All the actors in here were great and the movie looked very good too.

Apr 27, 2018

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Sleight 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 J.D. Dillard 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 2016, 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 Sleight took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.3 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 111 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 246 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2016, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Mouth to Mouth, which focuses more on action than character development, Sleight offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Highlander III: The Sorcerer and Gigli explore similar territory, Sleight stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: April 28, 2016
  • Runtime: 1h 29m
  • Budget: $250,000
  • Revenue: $3,914,430

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