Pleasantville
Pleasantville fingerprint
Big heart, funny.
Energy
Spectacular
- Spectacle8
- Tension5
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Awe-inspiring and hopeful
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Coming of Age9
- Wonder9
- Hopefulness8
Humor
Plenty of satire and situational comedy
- Satire & Parody8
- Situational Comedy6
- Wit & Wordplay5
World
Fantasy, growing up, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty9
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout cinematography, visual style, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Visual Stylization10
- Editing8
Energy
MediumSpectacular
Pleasantville is spectacular.
All energy traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
HighAwe-inspiring and hopeful
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring, hopeful, and nostalgic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and situational comedy
Expect plenty of satire and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody8Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Pastiche8Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony7Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighFantasy, growing up, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around fantasy, growing up, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Fantasy9Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Showbiz6Entertainment industry and performance.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative7Stories about storytelling.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, visual style, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, visual style, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization10Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Pastiche8Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony7Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
Nothing is as simple as black and white.
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about Pleasantville
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Pleasantville worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 71). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Pleasantville rated?
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content and violence.
How long is Pleasantville?
2 h 4 min
Pleasantville runs 2 h 4 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Pleasantville?
Yes. Critics average 78 and audiences 76 out of 100, so both groups see Pleasantville much the same way.
Was Pleasantville a box office hit?
No. It cost about $60 million to make and earned $50 million worldwide, 83% of its budget.
What language is Pleasantville in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Pleasantville?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Pleasantville in 80 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Pleasantville use?
TV Tropes lists 129 storytelling tropes for Pleasantville, including The '90s, Crapsaccharine World, Maybe Ever After.

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