Director
Paul Thomas Anderson
Leading Actors/Actresses
Tom Cruise, John C. Reilly
Supporting Actors/Actresses
Julianne Moor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Jason Robards
Genre
Drama
Language
English
Awards
Nominated for 3 Oscars: Best Music - Original Song, Best Writing - Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Tom Cruise
Date of Release
1999
Producer
Paul Thomas Anderson, JoAnne Sellar
Setting and Context
San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California - 1999
Narrator and Point of View
POV is that of Officer Kurring, Frank, Earl and Stanley
Tone and Mood
Serious, Dramatic
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonists is Officer Kurring and Stanley. Antagonists are Stanley's Father, Earl
Major Conflict
Earl is dying and wants to see his estranged son, Frank. Stanley's father continues to push him further and further to make sure he wins. Officer Kurring wants more for his life.
Climax
Frogs begin to fall from the sky. Jimmy tries to shoot himself but the frogs fall through the skylight and stop him. Stanley confronts his dad, who doesn't listen to him. Frank spends time with his father on his deathbed where he curses him and pleads for him not to leave. Jim goes to Claudia's home in order to work things out between the two of them.
Foreshadowing
Earl tells Phil that Frank Mackey is his son. This foreshadows their final meeting at the end of the film.
Understatement
It is understated that Jimmy abused Claudia and that he will kill himself.
Innovations in Filming or Lighting or Camera Techniques
N/A
Allusions
The film's story is an allusion to the trauma we carry in our lives because of the trauma of our childhood and the choices of our past.
Paradox
Linda married Earl for his money, but paradoxically wants to give it all back as she has fallen in love with him. She goes so far to prove this that she attempts to kill herself by overdosing.
Parallelism
The frogs raining down parallel the rain storm that pours in the film.
