Pleasantville (1998)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: Filled with lighthearted humor, timely social commentary, and dazzling visuals, Pleasantville is an artful blend of subversive satire and well-executed Hollywood formula.
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Movie Info
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Cast
as David Wagner/Bud Parker
as Jennifer Wagner/Mary Sue Parker
as Betty Parker
as George Parker
as Mr. Johnson
as Repairman
as Big Bob
as Skip
as Betty Jean
as Kimmy
as Mary Sue
as Bud
as Mark
as Girl in School Yard
as College Counselor
as Health Teacher
as Science Teacher
as David's Mom
as Howard
as Christin
as Mark's Lackey No. 1
as Mark's Lackey No. 2
as Commercial Announcer
as Mr. Simpson
as Fireman No. 1
as Lisa Anne
as Peggy Jane
as Miss Peters
as Tommy
as Basketball Hero
as Coach
as Paper Boy
as TV Weatherman
as Dr. Henderson
as Marge Jenkins
as Gus
as Roy
as Ralph
as Juke Box Boy
as Mary
as Bridge Club Lady
as Fireman No. 2
as Margaret
as Will
as Boy in Soda Shop
as Whitey
as Pete
as Woman
as Thug
as Police Chief Dan
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Critic Reviews for Pleasantville
All Critics (93) | Top Critics (24) | Fresh (79) | Rotten (14) | DVD (5)
Ingeniously conceived and impressively executed, "Pleasantville" is a provocative, complex and surprisingly anti-nostalgic parable wrapped in the beguiling guise of a commercial high-concept comedy.
An ingenious fable, screenwriter Ross's directorial debut playfully spoofs the small-minded lifestyle idealised by 'family values' advocates, and the intolerance and insecurity underlying that ideal.
The lighthearted fable Pleasantville takes some pointed swipes at the make-believe world of 1950s TV -- and none too soon.
There's a terrific idea at the heart of Pleasantville, and it's a shame that its creator, Big screenwriter Gary Ross, can't figure where to take it.
Endearing it definitely is, so much so that it's easy to overlook the simplicity, and the sly confidence trick that gets played on us.
Ends up having more on its mind than it can successfully handle.
Audience Reviews for Pleasantville
It's not supposed to be anything. These are the wisest words ever said. Beautifully shot, this exactingly euphoric and colorful film.
Super Reviewer
Often heavy handed though nonetheless stimulating tale of the death (and she's not coming back, baby) of the American postwar "let's make nice cause its swell, gosh darnit" 50's mentality/fantasy. I like it, despite the browbeating, especially Joan Allen as Beaver Cleaver's mom unleashed.
Super Reviewer
?"Pleasantville" is everything you can ask for from a movie, and more. As a nerdy kids black and white television show becomes his life, he and his sister are sucked into the universe of 1958. In a perfect world, where change is unheard of, sex is incomprehensible, and colour is absent, Bud (Tobey Maguire) and his sister (Reese Witherspoon) learn that change can be the most beautiful thing. In this very odd world, many questions will be dying to be answered, and while most of them are, it is the true beauty that keeps you guessing when the film concludes. Everything about this film represents perfection. Paying a homage to classic paintings and classic television acting, this film is one of the best of the 90's. The emotions are endlessly engaging, the witty comedy is hilarious, the story is magnificent, and the cast is fantastic. "Pleasantville" is not one to be missed!
Super Reviewer
Pleasantville Quotes
| David/Bud: | You mean, we're in Pleasantville? |
| Jennifer/Mary Sue: | I'm all pasty. |
| George: | Where's my dinner? |
| George: | "So, what's going to happen now?" |
| George: | So, what's going to happen now? |
| Betty: | "I don't know. Do you know what's going to happen now?" |
| Betty: | I don't know. Do you know what's going to happen now? |
| George: | Laughs, then says, "I don't." |
| George: | [laughs] I don't. |
| Mr. Johnson: | "I guess I don't either." |
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