The Glass Castle is an emotional and thought-provoking movie that tells the story of a dysfunctional family’s struggle with poverty, addiction, and homelessness. Based on the memoir by Jeannette Walls, it takes us on a journey through her childhood as she learns to cope with her unconventional parents and their unpredictable behavior. The movie captures the essence of this poignant story, but there’s more to it than what meets the eye. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the inspiration behind The Glass Castle Movie and explore the real-life events that shaped Jeannette Walls’ life. From her upbringing in poverty to her rise as a successful journalist, we’ll uncover how Walls’ experiences found their way onto the big screen.
What is The Glass Castle mainly about?
“The Glass Castle” is a 2017 biographical drama film based on Jeannette Walls’ best-selling memoir of the same name. The movie showcases Walls’ tumultuous childhood with her dysfunctional family, including an alcoholic father and an eccentric mother who refused to conform to societal norms. The film stars Brie Larson as Jeannette Walls, Woody Harrelson as her father Rex, Naomi Watts as her mother Rose Mary, and Max Greenfield as her husband David.
The story behind “The Glass Castle” movie is just as fascinating as the memoir itself. Before the book was even published in 2005, producer Gil Netter read an early draft and immediately saw its cinematic potential. It took over a decade of development before the film finally came to fruition, with various directors attached at different times before Destin Daniel Cretton was ultimately chosen. Both Cretton and Larson were drawn to the project because of their own personal connections to poverty, addiction, and mental illness.
Despite mixed reviews from critics upon its release, “The Glass Castle” resonated with audiences who related to Walls’ struggle for acceptance and identity within her unconventional upbringing. Overall, it’s a poignant reminder that sometimes our most difficult experiences can be transformed into powerful works of art that inspire others.
Plot and Storyline
The story follows Jeannette’s life growing up in a dysfunctional family where her parents had a nonconformist view of society, leading their children to live an unconventional lifestyle. The plot is centered on the Walls family’s struggles to survive and overcome obstacles such as poverty, hunger, and homelessness.
One notable aspect of the storyline is its nonlinear structure that jumps back and forth between different periods of Jeanette’s life. This storytelling approach gives viewers a deeper understanding of Jeannette’s character development, allowing them to connect more emotionally with her experiences. Throughout the film, there are numerous conflicts that arise – both internal and external – which contribute to the overall tension in the plot.
Ultimately, the message conveyed through The Glass Castle movie is one of perseverance despite adversity. Through sheer determination and hard work, Jeannette overcomes her difficult upbringing and becomes a successful journalist in New York City – proving that even when life seems hopeless, there is always hope for a better tomorrow if we keep pushing forward.
Cast and Characters
The cast and characters in the movie bring the story to life with their outstanding performances. Brie Larson stars as Jeannette Walls, giving a compelling portrayal of the author’s journey from childhood through adulthood.
Woody Harrelson plays Rex Walls, Jeannette’s father, who is an alcoholic and dreams of building a glass castle for his family. Harrelson delivers an exceptional performance that captures Rex’s charm, manipulation, and inner demons. Naomi Watts plays Rose Mary Walls, Jeannette’s artistic mother who struggles to cope with life’s hardships. Watts brings depth to her character by portraying Rose Mary’s vulnerabilities and complexities.
The supporting cast also adds value to the film with their remarkable performances. Max Greenfield plays David, Jeannette’s fiancé; Sarah Snook portrays Lori Walls; Ella Anderson stars as young Jeanette; Chandler Head plays young Lori; and Charlie Shotwell portrays young Brian Wall. Overall, the cast and characters in The Glass Castle movie are noteworthy for their ability to capture the essence of each character while bringing them together seamlessly for this touching story.
Themes in the Film
One of the most prominent themes in The Glass Castle movie is that of resilience. Despite the hardships she faced, Jeanette refused to give up on her dreams and worked hard to achieve them, eventually becoming a successful writer.
Another significant theme in the film is forgiveness. Throughout the story, Jeanette struggles to come to terms with her complicated relationship with her parents and their unconventional way of raising her. However, as she grows older and gains perspective on their past experiences and struggles, she learns to forgive them for their shortcomings.
Awards and Nominations
The Glass Castle was nominated for two Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2018 – one for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and another for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Brie Larson). It also received nominations at the Satellite Awards for Best Actress (Larson) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Cretton and Andrew Lanham). Moreover, it won accolades at the Heartland Film Festival such as Truly Moving Picture Award.
Overall, The Glass Castle was well-received by audiences who praised its portrayal of complex family dynamics amidst hardship. Its recognition through various awards ceremonies stands as proof that it truly made an impact on those who watched it.
Is The Glass Castle Based on a true story?
Yes, the book is a memoir of Jeannette Walls, who recounts her childhood and early adulthood.
What is the deeper meaning of The Glass Castle?
As seen in the movie, “The Glass Castle,” Jeannette’s childhood was far from ordinary. Her father, Rex Walls, had promised to build a magical glass castle for their family. This promise represented both hope and hero worship for Jeannette. She believed that her father was capable of anything and that he would never let them down.
However, as time went on, it became clear that the glass castle was nothing more than a figment of Rex’s imagination. The family was constantly moving from place to place and struggling to make ends meet. Jeannette’s hero worship began to fade as she saw her father’s flaws and his inability to keep his promises.
Despite this disappointment, the promise of the glass castle still held a special place in Jeannette’s heart. It represented not only hope but also resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Through her experiences growing up with Rex Walls as her father, she learned valuable lessons about life and what it truly means to have faith in someone or something.
Reasons to Watch the Movie
One reason to watch this movie is its superb casting. Brie Larson plays Jeannette Walls, and Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts portray her parents. Each actor delivers a powerful performance that brings depth and complexity to their characters. Additionally, the cinematography captures the beauty of nature juxtaposed with the harsh realities of poverty.
Another reason to watch this movie is its message about overcoming adversity. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, including homelessness and abuse, Walls ultimately becomes a successful journalist living in New York City. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s possible to rise above difficult circumstances with perseverance and determination.
Overall, The Glass Castle is a must-watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking dramas that explore complex themes such as family relationships, resilience, and self-discovery.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts about the Film
One behind-the-scenes fact about the film is that Larson actually lived in a rundown apartment for a month to prepare for her role. She immersed herself into the character’s mindset and way of life by studying Walls’ book and spending time with her family members. Additionally, Woody Harrelson, who played Rex Walls (Jeannette’s father), worked closely with Cretton to perfect his portrayal of Rex’s complicated personality.
Another interesting tidbit from behind-the-scenes of The Glass Castle involves the filming location. Although the movie takes place in West Virginia, it was actually filmed mostly in Montreal due to tax incentives and more favorable production costs. However, some scenes were shot on location in Welch, West Virginia – where Jeannette actually grew up – to add authenticity to the film’s setting.
Where to Watch the Glass Castle
If you’re wondering where to watch The Glass Castle, it’s available for streaming on Netflix or can be rented or purchased through various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu. It’s also available on DVD and Blu-ray for those who prefer physical copies.
The Glass Castle received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its performances by Larson and Harrelson. The film takes audiences on an emotional journey that explores themes such as poverty, family dynamics, addiction, and resilience. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to add it to your watchlist!