SummaryFive contemporary stories weaved together into a single tale that examines the dramatic impact people have on one another. (Sony Pictures Classics)
Directed By:Jill Sprecher
Written By:Karen Sprecher, Jill Sprecher
Thirteen Conversations About One Thing
Metascore
Generally Favorable
74
User score
Mixed or Average
5.6
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
74
81% Positive
21 Reviews
21 Reviews
19% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
The movie is brilliant, really. It is philosophy, illustrated through everyday events. Most movies operate as if their events are necessary--that B must follow A. "13 Conversations" betrays B, A and all the other letters as random possibilities.
90
The superb ensemble never plays for sympathy, and the movie isn't as depressing as it may sound. Its hushed, contemplative quality is oddly affecting.
80
It takes a while for this oddball film -- a mosaic of stories in the style of "Magnolia" -- to take hold, but when it does, it grabs you hard.
75
Avoids pretension by never trying to be more than it is -- an acknowledgment that things frequently are not as bad as they seem. That's a concept that deserves a little spreading.
70
Arkin has a great and gentle feeling for small-time malcontents, and he knows how to make their woes our own. He does justice to the human comedy -- and redeems the movie.
60
In spite of the uniformly strong performances, 13 Conversations largely factors out human nature, leaving a giant puzzle where each piece is pre-determined to fall into place. In the end, the Sprechers have a movie for people who brag about finishing the New York Times Sunday crossword in pen.
40
Writer-director Jill Sprecher doesn't have the deftness or sad humour that P. T. Anderson uses in his similarly contrived group portraits, but the cast are, at least, individually fine.
User score
Mixed or Average
5.6
69% Positive
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
31% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Nov 27, 2017
9
Thirteen Conversations About One Thing is a fantastic drama. It has one of the best ensemble casts I've seen, with McConaughey and Arkin as the standouts. Even without the acting, the suspense is believable and worthwhile. It never becomes cliche or boring, with emphasis on shared experiences and unique perspectives.
Sep 26, 2015
7
13 Conversations is an interesting little film. It is neatly filmed with solid acting, to the extent that I wonder why I don't find myself rating it higher. Thinking about it, I believe my disappointment is because I had expected that a movie about happiness would be more emotional and more optimistic. Instead, the overall vibe is bittersweet, and a bit heavy on the bitter part.
Production Company:
- Stonelock Pictures
- Single Cell Pictures
- double A Films
- Conversation Productions Inc.
- Echo Lake Entertainment
- Entitled Entertainment
- First Look International
Release Date:May 24, 2002
Duration:1 h 44 m
Rating:R
Tagline:Ask yourself if you're really happy.
Awards
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards
• 3 Wins & 4 Nominations
Chlotrudis Awards
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
