In Dubious Battle (2016)

An activist gets caught up in the labor movement for farm workers in California during the 1930s.

Director:

James Franco

Writers:

Matt Rager (screenplay) (as Matthew Rager), John Steinbeck (novel)

Stars:

Nat Wolff, James Franco, Vincent D'Onofrio

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nat Wolff	...	Jim
James Franco	...	Mac
Vincent D'Onofrio	...	London
Selena Gomez	...	Lisa
Ahna O'Reilly	...	Edie
Analeigh Tipton	...	Vera
Jack Kehler	...	Dr. Burton
Scott Haze	...	Frank the Foreman
Sam Shepard	...	Mr. Anderson
Joel Marsh Garland	...	Al
John Savage	...	Dan
Robert Duvall	...	Bolton
Ed Harris	...	Joy
Josh Hutcherson	...	Vinnie
Julian De Niro	...	Billy

Storyline

In the California apple country, 900 migratory workers rise up "in dubious battle" against the landowners. The group takes on a life of its own - stronger than its individual members and more frightening. Led by the doomed Jim Nolan (Nat Wolff), the strike is founded on his tragic idealism - on the "courage never to submit or yield." Published in 1936, the novel "In Dubious Battle" is considered the first major work of Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck.

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Plot Keywords:

labor | pregnancy | birth | based on book | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some violence and brief sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Announcement

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 February 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

Batalha Incerta

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Thats Hollywood, Ambi Pictures, RabbitBandini Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Vincent D'Onofrio and Robert Duvall appeared in The Judge (2014).

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Goofs

Scene where Mac brushes his teeth, he's using a 21st century white plastic toothbrush with accordion bend.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Jim: [narrating] My pop always told me to watch the scales. Said the world will always find a way to cheat the working man. I met Mac McLeod in 1933, and I witnessed up close the price of real change.
Title Card: At the height of The Great Depression, nearly one quarter of Americans were without jobs.
Bolton: [standing on the back of his truck] Gentlemen, ladies, come in, come in. Listen, please. Hear what I have to say, all right? This price cut pains me as much as it pains you. With the market as volatile ...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Half in the Bag: The Disaster Artist (2017)

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Soundtracks

Stepping In, Stepping Out
Written and Performed by Timo Elliston
Published by 16W18 Music (BMI)
By Arrangement with BANG NY

User Reviews

Surprisingly engaging

This film tells the story of a group of workers in an Apple farm in the early 1900's in the United States of America, who demand improved pay and working conditions. As they rise up against exploitation by the farm owner, they pay begin to pay a price they cannot imagine.

I had low expectations when I began watching it, as I have not enjoyed many films directed by James Franco. However, the story of "In Dubious Battle" is unexpectedly engaging, proving my preconceptions wrong. Neither side will budge from their positions, leading to an escalation of clash, ultimately leading to violence and death. It indeed is a dubious battle for both sides, as morality is eroded by desperation, greed and many other factors. It is also captivating to see how the roles of Vincent D'Onofrio and Nat Wolff change throughout the film. I find this film captivating, engaging and thought provoking.