Promised Land
2012DramaDirected by Gus Van Sant
AI-generated for entertainment purposes only
Own & Stream
Synopsis
"Promised Land" is a poignant drama directed by Gus Van Sant and featuring an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Frances McDormand, John Krasinski, and Hal Holbrook. Released in 2012, the film follows Steve Butler (Matt Damon), a corporate salesman, and his partner Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand) as they arrive in a rural town with the goal of convincing the residents to sell their land for natural gas drilling. However, their plans face unexpected challenges when a local schoolteacher (Hal Holbrook) and an environmentalist (John Krasinski) raise concerns about the potential impact of fracking on the community. As the characters navigate conflicting interests and moral dilemmas, "Promised Land" explores themes of corporate greed, environmental stewardship, and the complexities of small-town life. With stellar performances and a thought-provoking narrative, the film offers a compelling look at the human cost of industrial progress and the power of community activism. Tackling issues of economic desperation and ethical responsibility, "Promised Land" is a timely and resonant drama that will leave audiences reflecting on the choices we make in pursuit of the elusive American dream.
This synopsis is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
Find Books Inspired by Promised Land
We've pre-filled the search so you can instantly explore related novels, tie-ins, and thrillers — just hit Find Books!
TML Review
TopMovieList exclusive verdict🤔
Worth Considering
🤔 Has both merits and weaknesses, may appeal to fans of the genre. Consider your personal preferences before watching.
Movie Details
- Release Year
- 2012
- Runtime
- 1h 46m
- Genre
- MPAA Rating
- R
Ratings & Box Office
- TML Score
- 62/100
- IMDb
- 6.6/10
- Metascore
- 55.0/100
- Box Office
- $7,597,898
Collectibles & Reads
Director
Main Cast
4 cast members
F.A.Q.
Q:Why did Matt Damon decide to co-write Promised Land?
A:
Matt Damon initially planned only to act in Promised Land, but he stepped in as a co-writer alongside John Krasinski when Dave Eggers, originally slated to write the screenplay, had to bow out due to other commitments. Damon's sudden shift to writer drastically changed the film’s direction, emphasizing more personal stories over corporate politics.
Q:What really happened when Gus Van Sant was chosen to direct Promised Land?
A:
Gus Van Sant wasn’t the first choice to direct Promised Land. Matt Damon was set to make his directorial debut with this film but stepped down at the last minute due to scheduling conflicts. With only a few weeks to find a replacement, Damon personally reached out to Van Sant, his collaborator on Good Will Hunting, to helm the project.
Q:How did the filmmakers manage to shoot in a real small town for Promised Land?
A:
The filmmakers of Promised Land chose to shoot in Avonmore, Pennsylvania, after an extensive location scout. They were drawn to its authentic rural Americana vibe but faced challenges due to its small size and limited infrastructure. The production injected approximately $2 million into the local economy, which helped smooth over any logistical snags.
The FAQ section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
Trivia
🎬During filming, a scene involving Matt Damon's character at a local business used a real-life hardware store in Avonmore. The store saw a 75% increase in customers after the film’s release due to fans visiting the location, turning it into a small tourist attraction.
💡John Krasinski's character in Promised Land was inspired by his father's experiences growing up in a small steel mill town in Pennsylvania, adding a personal touch to his role that influenced the depth and authenticity of his performance.
🎯Promised Land used a real environmental debate about fracking as its backdrop, which led to several protests during its filming. These protests were from both anti-fracking activists and pro-fracking groups, who believed the film portrayed their industry negatively. This real-world conflict helped bring additional attention and authenticity to the film's environmental themes.
The trivia section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
