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Pleasantville (1998)
Rated: 12A
Runtime: 2 hrs 16 mins
Theatrical Release: 12-03-1999
Synopsis: Two modern American teenagers are sucked into their television set and end up living in a black-and-white fifties sitcom. Bewildered by their new world's naivete and innocence, they slowly start to add color and spice to the town's life. Eventually, however, they begin to question their... Two modern American teenagers are sucked into their television set and end up living in a black-and-white fifties sitcom. Bewildered by their new world's naivete and innocence, they slowly start to add color and spice to the town's life. Eventually, however, they begin to question their influence, wondering if their advanced 90's attitudes are really that much better than those of the innocent past. Sterling effects and stand-out performances make this commentary on modern life a poignant, entertaining effort. [More]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Reese Witherspoon, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, William H. Macy
Screenwriter: Gary Ross
Producer: Robert J. Degus, Jon Kilik, Steven Soderbergh, Gary Ross
Composer: Randy Newman
Reviews
Overcomes its moralising and occasional pomposity with magical photographic effects.
One of the few recent Hollywood films out there that has used new digital technology to truly engage the viewer, and make possible a thoughtful story.
Though Ross works in some heavy-handed strokes, his portrait of stodgy Eisenhower America dazzles with some of the loveliest imagery of any 1990s film.
Someday, maybe someday soon, someone in Hollywood is going to make a genuinely great movie about television as a metaphor for America.
Hollywood satire is not usually this enjoyable: Both savage and silly, Pleasantville is an absolute blast.
This is an exquisite, timely film. It's nice to know that occasionally, even Hollywood does something right.
Ross has come up with one of the best, most subversive, and definitely one of the most memorable films of the year.
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