The Death & Life of John F. Donovan (2018)

A decade after the death of an American television star, a young actor reminisces about the written correspondence he shared with him, as well as the impact those letters had on both their lives.

Director:

Xavier Dolan

Writers:

Xavier Dolan, Jacob Tierney

Stars:

Kit Harington, Natalie Portman, Jacob Tremblay

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kit Harington	...	John F. Donovan
Natalie Portman	...	Sam Turner
Jacob Tremblay	...	Rupert Turner
Susan Sarandon	...	Grace Donovan
Kathy Bates	...	Barbara Haggermaker
Ben Schnetzer	...	Rupert Turner (21 Y.O.)
Thandie Newton	...	Journalist
Jared Keeso	...	James Donovan
Chris Zylka	...	Will Jefford Jr.
Amara Karan	...	Mrs. Kureishi
Emily Hampshire	...	Amy Bosworth
Michael Gambon	...	Man in Diner
Sarah Gadon	...	Liz Jones
Susan Almgren	...	Aunt Faith
Jane Wheeler	...	Aunt Anne

Storyline

A decade after the death of an American television star, a young actor reminisces about the written correspondence he shared with him, as well as the impact those letters had on both their lives.

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Plot Keywords:

semi autobiographical | gay character | actor | nonlinear timeline | interview | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout and some sexual material

Did You Know?

Trivia

As he dubbed a lot of actors in French-Canadian versions of many international movies, Writer, Producer, and Director Xavier Dolan dubbed the voice of Kit Harrington in its Québec-made French version.

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Quotes

Audrey Newhouse: This last letter suggests he was full of hope...
Rupert Turner: Which is why I am sure you will understand that, for obvious reasons, that is the version that I chose to believe.

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Connections

Featured in CTV News at 11:30 Toronto: Episode dated 10 September 2018 (2018)

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Soundtracks

Stand By Me
Written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
Performed by Florence and the Machine (as Florence + The Machine)

User Reviews

We thought the story was excellent!

A feel a lot more people can relate to this type of film, than they realize. As the story unfolds you realize the dynamics over the course of the story. I can't properly phrase the dynamics without giving away some details, which I don't want to do. Everyday each of our lives are so parallel, yet so different than people around us. Captivated and intertwined, yet dynamic in everyway.. interesting family dynamics along the way, and the cast was fantastic! I don't think you could have found better actors to play the roles they did, kudos! Enjoy the film tremendously and I hope folks help generate enthusiasm as well.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK Canada

Language:

English Czech

Release Date:

13 December 2019 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Death & Life of John F. Donovan

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$33,340, 25 August 2019

Gross USA:

$152,713

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,326,364

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lyla Films, Sons of Manual, Warp Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1