Cast
View AllCary Elwes
as John P. Jones (voice)
Sam Elliott
as Ward Hill Lamon (voice)
Neal McDonough
as Charles Sumner (voice)
Dermot Mulroney
as Andrew Curtin (voice)
Matthew Broderick
as Reader
William Fichtner
as John G. Nicolay (voice)
Michael C. Hall
as Leonard Swett (voice)
Keith David
as Frederick Douglass (voice)
David Morse
as Abraham Lincoln (voice)
Aidan Quinn
as Theodore Parker (voice)
Gary Busey
as John C. Calhoun (voice)
David Strathairn
as Ralph Waldo Emerson (voice)
Jason Alexander
as Noah Brooks (voice)
Ed Asner
as Edward Everett (voice)
Lili Taylor
as Emily Souder (voice)
Crew
Director
- Sean Conant
Writer
- Sean Conant
Producer
- Jim Conant
- Sean Conant
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Gettysburg Address represents a fascinating example of Documentary/History 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 Sean Conant 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 2025, 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 Gettysburg Address took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 165 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 199 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2025, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Gettysburg Address shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Allegiance, which focuses more on action than character development, The Gettysburg Address subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Crownsville Hospital: From Lunacy to Legacy and The Lincoln League explore similar territory, The Gettysburg Address stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: November 19, 2025
- Runtime: 2h 45m