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The Paperboy

  • 2012
  • R
  • 1h 47m
IMDb RATING
5.7/10
41K
YOUR RATING
John Cusack, Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, and Zac Efron in The Paperboy (2012)
Journalist Ward Jansen returns to his hometown in Moat County, Florida in an attempt to prove that an innocent man is about to be put to death for a crime he didn't commit. What follows is a tangled web of sexual tension, mixed motives and shadowy facts that will set off not only a search for the truth, but a chain reaction of passion and violence.
Play trailer2:32
6 Videos
99+ Photos
Coming-of-AgePeriod DramaCrimeDramaMysteryThriller

A reporter returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate.A reporter returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate.A reporter returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate.

  • Director
    • Lee Daniels
  • Writers
    • Peter Dexter
    • Lee Daniels
  • Stars
    • Matthew McConaughey
    • Nicole Kidman
    • John Cusack
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.7/10
    41K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lee Daniels
    • Writers
      • Peter Dexter
      • Lee Daniels
    • Stars
      • Matthew McConaughey
      • Nicole Kidman
      • John Cusack
    • 201User reviews
    • 252Critic reviews
    • 45Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 12 nominations total

    Videos6

    Theatrical Version
    Trailer 2:32
    Theatrical Version
    "Meeting Hillary"
    Clip 1:03
    "Meeting Hillary"
    "Meeting Hillary"
    Clip 1:03
    "Meeting Hillary"
    The Paperboy: Meeting Hilary
    Clip 1:03
    The Paperboy: Meeting Hilary
    The Paperboy: Good Vibrations
    Clip 2:48
    The Paperboy: Good Vibrations
    The Paperboy: Charlotte Meets The Paperboys
    Clip 1:18
    The Paperboy: Charlotte Meets The Paperboys
    The Paperboy: Anita And Ward
    Clip 0:57
    The Paperboy: Anita And Ward

    Photos111

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    + 105
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    Top cast59

    Edit
    Matthew McConaughey
    Matthew McConaughey
    • Ward Jansen
    Nicole Kidman
    Nicole Kidman
    • Charlotte Bless
    John Cusack
    John Cusack
    • Hillary Van Wetter
    Zac Efron
    Zac Efron
    • Jack Jansen
    David Oyelowo
    David Oyelowo
    • Yardley Acheman
    Scott Glenn
    Scott Glenn
    • W.W. Jansen
    Ned Bellamy
    Ned Bellamy
    • Tyree Van Wetter
    Nealla Gordon
    Nealla Gordon
    • Ellen Guthrie
    Macy Gray
    Macy Gray
    • Anita Chester
    Edrick Browne
    • Hustler #1
    Kevin Waterman
    Kevin Waterman
    • Victim
    Danny Hanemann
    • Sheriff Thurmond Call
    Peter Murnik
    Peter Murnik
    • Death Row Guard
    John P. Fertitta
    John P. Fertitta
    • Sam Ellison
    • (as John Fertitta)
    Jay Oliver
    • Mr. Guthrie
    • (as James Oliver)
    • …
    Gary Clarke
    Gary Clarke
    • Weldon Pine
    Ava Bogle
    Ava Bogle
    • Renee…
    Adam Sibley
    • Eugene
    • Director
      • Lee Daniels
    • Writers
      • Peter Dexter
      • Lee Daniels
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      In 2014, Nicole Kidman said that the only time she has gone method and stayed in character throughout a shoot was during this production.
    • Goofs
      Jack tosses his beer as he's walking towards Charlotte. Then he takes the boxes but still has the beer in his left hand. When he turns around again, the beer is gone.
    • Quotes

      Charlotte Bless: [in regards to Jack's jellyfish stings] If anyone's gonna piss on him, it's going to be me. He don't like strangers peeing on him.

    • Connections
      Featured in 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (2013)
    • Soundtracks
      Whistling in the Dark
      Written by Nona Hendryx

      Performed by Nona Hendryx

    User reviews201

    Featured review
    8/10

    The Paperboy really delivers

    After watching the movie I was asking myself what the heck did I just watch, but whatever it was I liked it....Now first off this movies is not for everyone, it's extremely sexual, violent, and at times confusing, but it is never dull or plotting. The story is captivating and the actor/actresses pull you in right from the start and never let go until the ending credits roll. The storyline is unique and original with it's crazy cast of characters. Don't try and out think this one, go with the flow and let this backwoods swamp tale take you on an mesmerizing journey into a world you'll be glad you were able to glimpse.

    I'm going to say a few things about some of the actors/actresses as they truly do make this a must see movie. First Matthew McConaughey, if he's starting to get type-cast so what, he is absolutely wonderful in this role...bravo. Nicole Kidman is sensational, once again proving no matter what the role she excels and is without a doubt one of the very finest actresses of our time. John Cusack takes on a very different type of character than what you've seen of him the past and really shines and delivers a riveting memorable performance. The entire cast of this movie deserves credit for bring life to this Lee Daniels film.

    I've noticed that some reviewers are giving this a less than glowing review, but in my humble but accurate opinion, this is an excellent piece of film making and should be given it's rightful praise for what it is....OUTSTANDING!!
    • dgefroh
    • Jan 7, 2013
    • Permalink

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    FAQ21

    • How long is The Paperboy?Powered by Alexa
    • Is this film based on a book?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 17, 2012 (Belgium)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Amores peligrosos
    • Filming locations
      • New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
    • Production companies
      • Millennium Films
      • Millennium Films
      • Lee Daniels Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $12,500,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $693,286
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $102,706
      • Oct 7, 2012
    • Gross worldwide
      • $3,783,865
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 47 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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