A documentary filmmaker and her fellow Generation X graduates face life after college, looking for work and love in Houston.A documentary filmmaker and her fellow Generation X graduates face life after college, looking for work and love in Houston.A documentary filmmaker and her fellow Generation X graduates face life after college, looking for work and love in Houston.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
Renée Zellweger
- Tami
- (as Renee Zellweger)
Eric Morgan Stuart
- Damien
- (as Eric Stuart)
Barry Del Sherman
- Grant's Producer
- (as Barry Sherman)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaEthan Hawke was at this point unhappy with the direction his career was taking. He recalled that his career was in a lull after the buzz from Dead Poets Society (1989) had faded. Winona Ryder was a fan of his work and stipulated in her contract that her involvement in this movie was dependent on Hawke starring opposite her. She chose Hawke after seeing him in A Midnight Clear (1992).
- GoofsWhen Lelaina totals all of the money she 'earned' from the gas station in her notebook, she sums the amounts as $389.84, when the actual total is $393.97.
- Quotes
Lelaina Pierce: I was really going to be somebody by the time I was 23.
Troy Dyer: Honey, all you have to be by the time you're 23 is yourself.
Lelaina Pierce: I don't know who that is anymore.
Troy Dyer: I do. And we all love her. I love her. She breaks my heart again and again, but I love her.
- Crazy creditsShortly after the end credits roll begins, there's a short clip of Troy and Leilaina's relationship being made into a new show on a network.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Siskel & Ebert: The Getaway/Blank Check/My Girl 2 (1994)
- SoundtracksWhen You Come Back To Me
Written by Karl Wallinger
Performed by World Party
Produced by Karl Wallinger
Courtesy of Ensign Records Limited
Featured review
the film of the 90s Grunge generation
I love this film; Ethan Hawke is brilliant and really does sum up the 'searcher' generation, the new Beat. Grunge in this film is typified by over-intelligent, under-achieving, dope induced philosophical musings and desire to make a difference but not knowing how to go about it in world where young people feel anonymous and disenfranchised and dealing with modern day issues; coming out, HIV tests, unemployment, friendship, love and life aspirations.
I think this is perfectly cast, loads of familiar faces, and I think this is my favourite role of Winona Ryder. Steve Zahn and Janeane Garofalo were great and the comedy, and Ben Stiller (who also directed) is good despite being an atypical role for him, and is one of his best roles. Ethan Hawke, however, is the deserved lead in this snapshot of reality, and a showcase of his band/singing. This is a well cast and performed ensemble cast production, and there are truisms left right and centre; it speaks to the heart & soul and is relevant to the 90s generation and I'm sure has relevance to later decades and has - IMHO - aged well. It is super-funny, touching and enlightening; something for everyone who's young enough and old enough. Even after 20 years it's one of my favourite films and watching it gives me such a warm feeling.
I think this is perfectly cast, loads of familiar faces, and I think this is my favourite role of Winona Ryder. Steve Zahn and Janeane Garofalo were great and the comedy, and Ben Stiller (who also directed) is good despite being an atypical role for him, and is one of his best roles. Ethan Hawke, however, is the deserved lead in this snapshot of reality, and a showcase of his band/singing. This is a well cast and performed ensemble cast production, and there are truisms left right and centre; it speaks to the heart & soul and is relevant to the 90s generation and I'm sure has relevance to later decades and has - IMHO - aged well. It is super-funny, touching and enlightening; something for everyone who's young enough and old enough. Even after 20 years it's one of my favourite films and watching it gives me such a warm feeling.
helpful•334
- HelenMary
- May 10, 2013
- How long is Reality Bites?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $11,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $20,982,557
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $5,113,050
- Feb 20, 1994
- Gross worldwide
- $33,351,557
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