Movie Release Date Verification: What Year Was The Movie A Few Good Men
Determining the precise release date of a film like “A Few Good Men” requires consulting reliable sources and employing a methodical approach to cross-reference information. Accuracy is paramount, especially when discussing factual film details. This process involves identifying trustworthy databases and comparing their data to ensure consistency.
Verifying Film Release Dates Using Official Movie Databases
Several reputable sources provide comprehensive film data, including release dates. Utilizing multiple sources and comparing their entries minimizes the risk of relying on inaccurate information. A systematic approach, involving careful examination and comparison, yields the most reliable results.
Reputable Sources for Verifying Film Release Dates
Accessing accurate film release dates involves consulting a range of established sources. These sources maintain extensive databases, regularly updated by industry professionals and enthusiasts. The reliability of a source often depends on its established reputation, its method of data verification, and its history of accuracy.
The Process of Confirming the Release Year
Confirmation involves a multi-step process. First, identify at least three reputable sources known for their accuracy in film data. Then, search for “A Few Good Men” within each database, noting the reported release date. Finally, compare the dates across all sources. Any discrepancies should prompt further investigation into the source’s methodology and potential reasons for the variation.
Cross-Referencing Information from Multiple Sources
Cross-referencing is crucial for accuracy. If multiple reliable sources report the same release year, confidence in the accuracy increases significantly. However, if discrepancies exist, further research is needed to determine the most accurate information. This may involve examining the source’s methodology, checking for different release dates in different regions, or consulting archival materials.
Comparison of Sources and Reported Release Year for “A Few Good Men”
The following table summarizes the release year reported by various sources for “A Few Good Men,” along with a subjective reliability rating. Note that the reliability rating is based on the source’s general reputation and track record, not solely on this specific entry.
| Source | URL | Release Year | Reliability Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb | www.imdb.com | 1992 | ★★★★★ |
| Rotten Tomatoes | www.rottentomatoes.com | 1992 | ★★★★★ |
| The Numbers | www.the-numbers.com | 1992 | ★★★★☆ |
| Box Office Mojo | www.boxofficemojo.com | 1992 | ★★★★☆ |
The Film’s Production History
A Few Good Men, a courtroom drama that captivated audiences, had a production journey marked by a swift development and a successful theatrical run. From its initial concept to its eventual release, the film’s path was relatively smooth, propelled by a strong script and a talented cast and crew.
The film’s genesis stemmed from Aaron Sorkin’s original play, which premiered in 1989. Columbia Pictures acquired the rights, quickly recognizing the dramatic potential and the inherent cinematic appeal of the story. Production moved relatively quickly, reflecting the studio’s confidence in the project. Rob Reiner, known for his directorial prowess in blending humor and drama, signed on to helm the adaptation. The screenplay adaptation, also by Aaron Sorkin, largely retained the sharp dialogue and complex characters from the stage production. Casting was equally decisive, with Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore quickly attached to the lead roles, guaranteeing significant box office appeal. Filming commenced in the early months of 1991, largely taking place at locations across California. Post-production proceeded smoothly, and the film adhered to its projected release schedule.
Key Personnel and Their Roles
The success of A Few Good Men was a collaborative effort. Rob Reiner’s direction provided the film’s overall tone and visual style. Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay, adapted from his own play, provided the foundation for the film’s compelling narrative and memorable dialogue. Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore brought their considerable acting talent to their respective roles, delivering powerful performances that resonated with audiences. Other key personnel included the cinematographer, editor, and production designer, each contributing significantly to the film’s overall look and feel.
Budget and Box Office Performance
A Few Good Men had a reported budget of approximately $40 million. Considering the star power involved and the production design, this was considered a relatively modest budget for a major studio release. The film’s box office performance was significantly positive, grossing over $242 million worldwide. This substantial return on investment solidified its status as a commercial success, further contributing to its enduring legacy. The film’s success is attributed to its compelling story, memorable performances, and effective marketing campaign, all contributing to its wide appeal and strong box office showing.
Cultural Impact and Reception
“A Few Good Men,” upon its release in 1992, garnered significant critical acclaim and resonated deeply with audiences, establishing itself as a landmark legal drama. The film’s success stemmed not only from its gripping narrative and stellar performances but also from its exploration of complex themes of duty, honor, and the complexities of the military justice system. Its impact extended beyond immediate box office success, leaving a lasting mark on popular culture and influencing subsequent legal thrillers and courtroom dramas.
The film received largely positive reviews, praising its sharp script, compelling performances (particularly Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Lt. Daniel Kaffee), and its exploration of moral ambiguities within a rigid military structure. Critics lauded the film’s pacing, its ability to build suspense, and its intelligent handling of legal intricacies, making it accessible to a broad audience while maintaining intellectual rigor. While some critiques focused on the perceived simplification of legal procedures or the somewhat romanticized portrayal of the courtroom setting, the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, solidifying its place as a critical and commercial success.
Critical Reception of “A Few Good Men”
The film’s critical success is evidenced by its numerous accolades. It received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, demonstrating the film’s high regard within the industry. Positive reviews frequently highlighted the performances of the lead actors, the tight direction, and the screenplay’s ability to balance legal technicalities with human drama. The film’s box office performance further solidified its popularity, exceeding expectations and establishing itself as a significant cultural phenomenon of the early 1990s.
Lasting Cultural Impact and Influence
“A Few Good Men” significantly influenced subsequent legal dramas and courtroom thrillers. Its impact can be seen in the increased focus on morally ambiguous characters, the exploration of the complexities of military justice, and the use of sharp dialogue and witty banter within courtroom settings. The film’s iconic lines, such as “You can’t handle the truth!”, have entered popular culture and are frequently referenced in various media. The film’s lasting impact is evident in its continued popularity and its enduring influence on the portrayal of legal themes in film and television. The film’s legacy also extends to the public perception of military justice and the ethical dilemmas faced by those within the system.
Comparison with Contemporary Legal Dramas, What year was the movie a few good men
Compared to other legal dramas released around the same time, “A Few Good Men” distinguished itself through its combination of sharp legal procedural elements and emotionally resonant character development. While films like “Lorenzo’s Oil” (1992) focused on a specific legal battle, and “Philadelphia” (1993) tackled the issue of discrimination, “A Few Good Men” offered a broader exploration of justice, morality, and the human cost of upholding principles within a hierarchical system. This multi-layered approach, coupled with its strong performances and memorable dialogue, contributed to its lasting cultural significance and arguably surpassed the immediate impact of its contemporaries.
Timeline of Significant Events
The following timeline highlights key events related to the film’s release and its lasting cultural impact:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 11, 1991 | “A Few Good Men” premieres in select theaters. |
| December 26, 1992 | Wide release in the United States. |
| 1993 | Receives multiple Academy Award nominations. |
| 1990s – Present | Enters popular culture lexicon; lines like “You can’t handle the truth!” become widely known. |
| Ongoing | Continues to be studied in film schools and discussed in legal contexts. |
Box Office Performance and Distribution
A Few Good Men, despite its critical acclaim and enduring popularity, didn’t achieve blockbuster status in the traditional sense. Its success was more nuanced, stemming from a combination of strong word-of-mouth, positive critical reviews, and a targeted marketing campaign. The film’s financial performance needs to be considered within the context of its release date and the overall market landscape of 1992.
The film’s distribution strategy involved a wide release across numerous theaters in the United States and internationally. Columbia Pictures, the distributing studio, leveraged its established network to ensure maximum exposure. Marketing efforts focused on the film’s compelling courtroom drama and the star power of Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore. The trailers and promotional materials emphasized the intense performances and the film’s morally ambiguous themes.
Domestic Box Office Performance
A Few Good Men opened to a respectable, though not record-breaking, number. While precise opening weekend figures require verification from reputable box office databases (such as Box Office Mojo), it’s safe to say the film generated substantial interest and consistent ticket sales over its theatrical run. Its overall domestic gross was significantly influenced by positive critical reception and strong word-of-mouth marketing, leading to extended theatrical life. The film’s longevity in theaters contributed significantly to its cumulative earnings.
International Box Office Performance
The film’s international performance mirrored its domestic success. While precise figures for individual territories are needed for a comprehensive analysis, it’s evident that the film’s appeal transcended geographical boundaries. The film’s universal themes of justice, morality, and duty resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to its robust international box office returns. The film’s strong performance in major international markets likely contributed significantly to its overall profitability.
Comparison to Other Major Releases of 1992
To understand A Few Good Men’s box office success, it’s crucial to compare its performance to other major releases of 1992. This would involve examining the opening weekend grosses and overall box office totals of competing films. A visual comparison, perhaps using a bar chart, would effectively illustrate A Few Good Men’s standing relative to blockbusters like Aladdin or Batman Returns. Such a comparison would contextualize its success, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses in the market.
Visual Representation of Box Office Performance Over Time
Imagine a line graph charting the film’s box office revenue over time. The x-axis would represent weeks since release, and the y-axis would represent cumulative box office gross. The graph would show an initial sharp incline representing the strong opening weekend, followed by a gradual tapering off as the weeks progressed. The overall shape of the curve would reflect the film’s sustained popularity and consistent ticket sales throughout its theatrical run, demonstrating a strong and relatively long tail in its box office performance. The graph would visually demonstrate the film’s sustained success beyond its initial opening.
Cast and Crew Information
A Few Good Men boasts a stellar cast and crew whose combined talent and experience significantly contributed to the film’s success. The film’s power stems not only from its compelling script but also from the nuanced performances delivered by its actors and the skillful direction and production. The pre-existing reputations and career trajectories of the principal players, both in front of and behind the camera, shaped the film’s production and its ultimate reception.
The film’s success can be attributed to the synergistic relationship between the cast, crew, and the source material. The director’s vision, the screenwriter’s adaptation, and the actors’ interpretations all played crucial roles in bringing the story to life in a way that resonated deeply with audiences.
Principal Cast Members and Their Careers
The principal cast of *A Few Good Men* were already established actors, some with extensive careers, and the film served as a significant stepping stone or a continuation of success for many.
- Tom Cruise: Already a major Hollywood star known for films like *Top Gun* and *Rain Man*, Cruise’s portrayal of Lt. Daniel Kaffee solidified his status as a versatile actor capable of handling complex dramatic roles. His career continued its upward trajectory after *A Few Good Men*, with continued success in action and drama films.
- Jack Nicholson: A legendary actor with a long and distinguished career, Nicholson’s performance as Col. Nathan R. Jessep is considered one of his finest. His role as the intimidating yet vulnerable Colonel cemented his place in cinematic history. Post-*A Few Good Men*, he continued to act in critically acclaimed films.
- Demi Moore: Moore, already a well-known actress, played Lt. Commander JoAnne Galloway. Her portrayal added another layer of complexity to the narrative. Her career continued to flourish after the film’s release, with roles in various genres.
- Kevin Bacon: Bacon played Lt. Jonathan Kendrick, contributing to the ensemble cast’s strength. His established career continued its growth, diversifying into various roles.
- Kiefer Sutherland: Sutherland, portraying Lt. Col. Matthew Markinson, showcased his acting prowess in a supporting role that contributed to the film’s overall tension. His career continued to grow with roles in various film and television projects.
Director and Screenwriter Contributions
- Rob Reiner (Director): Reiner, known for his comedic and dramatic works (including *When Harry Met Sally…* and *Stand By Me*), brought his unique directorial style to *A Few Good Men*, balancing the film’s dramatic intensity with moments of humor and humanity. His experience in directing ensemble casts and handling complex narratives was invaluable to the film’s success.
- Aaron Sorkin (Screenwriter): Sorkin’s sharp, witty, and intellectually stimulating screenplay is widely considered a masterpiece of legal drama. His background in writing for television (including *The West Wing*) prepared him for crafting complex dialogue and intricate plotlines. The film’s success is largely attributed to Sorkin’s exceptional writing.
Crew’s Prior Experience and its Impact on Production
The film’s production benefited significantly from the experience of its crew members. Their expertise in various aspects of filmmaking, including cinematography, editing, and sound design, contributed to the overall quality and impact of the final product. The seamless blend of technical proficiency and artistic vision resulted in a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. While specific crew member details beyond the director and screenwriter are not explicitly addressed in this section, their collective skill is clearly evident in the film’s high production value.
FAQ Resource
What year was the movie a few good men – What was the film’s budget?
The exact budget isn’t consistently reported across sources, but estimates generally place it in the tens of millions of dollars.
Did the film win any awards?
While it didn’t win any major Oscars, A Few Good Men received several award nominations and accolades for its screenplay, acting, and overall production.
How did the film’s critical reception compare to other legal dramas of the time?
A Few Good Men generally received more positive reviews compared to many contemporary legal dramas, often praised for its strong performances and compelling narrative.
Where was the film primarily filmed?
A significant portion of the filming took place at the Marine Corps Air Station in El Toro, California.
Were there any significant legal challenges during the film’s production or release?
There’s no widely documented record of significant legal issues during production or release.