Adam Green's Aladdin is an independent film written, directed by, and starring Adam Green. It presents a modern take on the Arabian Nights classic tale. The film stars Alia Shawkat, Natasha Lyonne, Jack Dishel, Macaulay Culkin, and Nicole LaLiberte. The film explores themes of technology, government repression, greed, and true love. The film was partially funded through the crowdfunding website Kickstarter, and filmed over the summer of 2014.[1] The film was released on April 15, 2016, through video on demand.[2]

Adam Green's Aladdin
Digital release poster
Directed byAdam Green
Written byAdam Green
Produced by
  • Adam Green
  • Yasmin Green
Starring
CinematographyDima Dubson
Edited byDima Dubson
Music byAdam Green
Release date
  • April 15, 2016 (2016-04-15) (United States)
Running time
82 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Premise

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The film revolves around Aladdin's dysfunctional family, who live in an average American city ruled by a corrupt sultan with a decadent socialite daughter.

Cast

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Production

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The film raised money through Kickstarter, with Green admitting that the bulk of the cost was spent on creating the cardboard sets, noting that "Most people did the movie for basically no money".[3] Some of the smaller parts were performed by artists doing residencies at the nearby Pioneer Works studio.[4] Green has stated that falling in love with his wife, Yasmin Green, heavily influenced the plot and that wedding vows that Aladdin gives are nearly identical to his own.[4]

After completing the project, Green said he had some problems distributing it, with most film festivals finding it too "off brand".[3] However, after releasing the trailer online, Green started to get offers for screening the film. Vice Media also got in contact with Green after seeing the trailer, asking him to pitch a TV show for their Viceland channel.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Adam Green's Aladdin - Kickstarter". Kickstarter. Retrieved 7 May 2015.
  2. ^ Vincent, James (March 10, 2016). "Watch the trailer for a hallucinogenic Aladdin starring Macaulay Culkin". The Verge. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c Swerdloff, Akexis (5 April 2016). "Adam and Mack Make a Movie". Vulture. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  4. ^ a b Mufson, Beckett (8 April 2016). "Adam Green's Psychedelic 'Aladdin' Is a Handmade Labor of Love". The Creators Project. Vice Media. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
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