Cast
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Liam James
as Solomon
Sarah Steele
as Diwata
Austin P. McKenzie
as Howie
Janeane Garofalo
as Marie
Kal Penn
as James
Roger Bart
as Principal Bellingham
Wendi McLendon-Covey
as Joan
Kimberly Williams-Paisley
as Susan
Skylar Astin
as Walter Healy
Sarah Baker
as Miss Riggi
Darren Criss
as Darren Criss
Kristin Chenoweth
as Kristin Chenoweth
Cristina Franco
as Oksana
Ryan Lee
as Mark
Edgar Arreola
as Arnett
Crew
Director
- Dan Harris
Writer
- Stephen Karam
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Speech & Debate 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 Dan Harris 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 2017, 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 Speech & Debate took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 46 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 2060 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2017, 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 Speech & Debate shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Torrey Pines, which focuses more on action than character development, Speech & Debate subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Naked Boys Singing! and The Kingdom explore similar territory, Speech & Debate 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: April 7, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 45m
