Ragtime
1981DramaDirected by Milos Forman
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Synopsis
Directed by Milos Forman, "Ragtime" is a captivating drama released in 1981 that boasts a stellar cast including Brad Dourif, Elizabeth McGovern, James Cagney, and Howard E. Rollins Jr. Set in the early 1900s, the film intricately weaves together the lives of various characters from different social backgrounds, highlighting themes of race, class, and societal change during a tumultuous period in American history. Brad Dourif portrays a talented pianist who becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships, while Elizabeth McGovern shines as a young woman navigating her way through a rapidly evolving society. James Cagney delivers a memorable performance as a wealthy industrialist, and Howard E. Rollins Jr. portrays a pivotal role as a young African American man striving for justice and equality. As their lives intersect and collide, "Ragtime" offers a poignant reflection on the challenges and triumphs of individuals striving to find their place in a changing world. With Milos Forman's masterful direction and a powerful ensemble cast, "Ragtime" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships and societal dynamics. This timeless drama continues to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and compelling performances, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and character-driven narratives.
This synopsis is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
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TML Review
TopMovieList exclusive verdict👍
Highly Recommended
👍 A solid film worth your time with notable strengths. While not perfect, it offers substantial entertainment value.
Movie Details
- Release Year
- 1981
- Runtime
- 2h 35m
- Genre
- MPAA Rating
- PG
Ratings & Box Office
- TML Score
- 67/100
- IMDb
- 7.3/10
- Metascore
- 57.0/100
- Box Office
- $14,920,781
Collectibles & Reads
Director
Main Cast
4 cast members
F.A.Q.
Q:Why did James Cagney come out of retirement to act in Ragtime?
A:
James Cagney had been retired for two decades before he was convinced to return for Ragtime. The director, Milos Forman, personally visited Cagney at his farm to persuade him. Intrigued by the script and Forman’s persistence, Cagney agreed to take the role of Police Commissioner Rhinelander Waldo, marking his first film appearance since 1961.
Q:How did they create the authentic 1900s New York City scenes in Ragtime?
A:
For Ragtime, the production team went to great lengths to recreate early 1900s New York City. They used the then-recently renovated sections of Montreal and the town of Mount Kisco, New York, as stand-ins for the city. Over $4 million was spent on detailed set constructions and period-accurate costumes to ensure the film’s authenticity.
Q:What really happened when Elizabeth McGovern had to perform the controversial nude scene?
A:
Elizabeth McGovern was initially hesitant about her controversial nude scene in Ragtime. Director Milos Forman and she had several discussions about its necessity, focusing on its importance to the narrative’s authenticity. Ultimately, a closed set was used to make the environment as comfortable as possible for her, respecting her concerns while maintaining the scene's integrity.
The FAQ section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
Trivia
🎬Did you know that the iconic Model T Ford used in Ragtime wasn’t just a prop but an original 1924 model, sourced from a vintage car collector in New Jersey? This car was fully operational and was used to give the film an extra layer of period authenticity.
💡Did you know that 'Ragtime' originally had a different ending? The initial script ended on a much darker note, but after poor test screening reactions, the filmmakers decided to reshoot the final scenes to provide a more hopeful conclusion, adding an additional $5 million to the budget.
🎯Did you know that during filming, a major accident occurred involving a replica of an early 1900s fire truck, which overturned during a pivotal scene? Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, and the incident led to a more rigorous safety protocol throughout the rest of the shoot.
The trivia section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
