Dalíland (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Dalíland is a 2023 biographical drama directed by Mary Harron, starring Ben Kingsley as Salvador Dali, Christopher Briney and Barbara Sukowa. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes and earned $508,421 worldwide. Critics gave it 43% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 37m (97 min)
- Director
- Mary Harron
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Magnolia Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Dalíland About?
The premise of Dalíland without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
In 1974, a young assistant named James becomes immersed in the world of Salvador Dalí, portrayed by Ben Kingsley, as the famed artist prepares for a significant gallery exhibition in both New York and Spain. The film explores the complexities of Dalí's relationship with his wife, Gala, played by Barbara Sukowa, and delves into the challenges of maintaining his artistic legacy. Through James's perspective, we observe Dalí’s unique personality, creative intensity, and the growing awareness of his own mortality.
Dalíland Themes & Keywords
· 42 tags- spain
- surrealism
- painter
- manhattan new york city
- based on real person
- painter as protagonist
- bohemian life
- new york city
- genius
- mentor protege relationship
- male nudity
- male rear nudity
+30 more Show fewer
- aging
- female rear nudity
- female frontal nudity
- female nudity
- female full frontal nudity
- full frontal nudity
- dialogue driven
- dysfunctional marriage
- 1970s
- nudity
- reference to paul eluard
- artistic creation
- flashback
- 20th century
- art student
- docudrama drama
- year 1973
- salvador dali character
- transgender
- watching someone having sex
- body paint
- implied sex
- alice cooper character
- reference to alice cooper
- parkinson's disease
- panel game show
- threesome
- reference to what's my line
- title spoken by character
- man wears eyeglasses
Dalíland Cast & Characters
Ben Kingsley leads the cast as Salvador Dali, with Christopher Briney as James and Barbara Sukowa as Gala. Directed by Mary Harron; 10 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Mary Harron
-
Ben Kingsley as Salvador Dali - Christopher Briney as James
-
Barbara Sukowa as Gala -
Rupert Graves as Captain Moore
Also Starring in Dalíland
· 6 more- Zachary Nachbar-Seckel Jeff Fenholt
- Alexander Beyer Christoffe
- Ezra Miller Young Dali
- Mark McKenna Alice Cooper
- Andreja Pejic Amanda Lear
- Avital Lvova Young Gala
Dalíland Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Dalíland 43% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 57/100, strongest in character & emotion (78) and weakest in story & flow (45).
Dalíland Echo Score Breakdown
Dalíland elicits a mixed response, with critics and viewers agreeing that Ben Kingsley's portrayal anchors the film while the narrative feels conventional. The visual design and soundtrack receive commendation for capturing the artist's eccentric world, yet the direction and editing are described as uneven and formulaic. Storytelling choices are often labeled thin and safe, limiting emotional depth. Consequently, the film offers occasional highlights but struggles to sustain lasting appeal, resulting in a moderate overall rating.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 55
In terms of art and craft, reviewers note the film's glossy cinematography and striking production design, which convey Dalí's vivid environment. However, criticism targets the direction as formulaic and the editing as uneven, creating pacing concerns. The combination of visual strengths with technical inconsistencies yields a balanced but unremarkable impression of the film's craftsmanship.
- Character & Emotion 78
When it comes to character and emotion, Kingsley's performance is repeatedly highlighted as a standout, described as nuanced, vulnerable, and compelling. Supporting actors receive mixed remarks, but the overall acting quality is praised for capturing the eccentricities of Dalí and Gala. This strong central portrayal lifts the film despite other shortcomings, leading to a notably positive assessment of the character dimension.
- Story & Flow 45
Story and flow receive the most criticism, with many describing the script as formulaic, thin, and lacking focus. Reviewers point out missed opportunities for a daring narrative, noting that the plot often feels safe and conventional. The pacing is affected by uneven editing, and the overall storytelling fails to fully engage, resulting in a low to moderate appraisal of this aspect.
- Sensory Experience 68
Sensory experience garners moderate praise; the visual style is praised for its vibrant depiction of Dalí's world, and the orchestral score is noted as genteel yet fitting. Some users mention specific soundtrack choices that enhance mood. While the sensory elements generally succeed, occasional generic moments prevent full enthusiasm, producing an overall favorable but not exceptional sensory rating.
- Rewatch Factor 50
Rewatch factor shows divided sentiment. Enthusiastic viewers find the film enjoyable and recommend it, largely due to the strong lead performance. Conversely, several critics and users argue that the predictable plot and conventional approach diminish replay value. This split opinion leads to a middling assessment of the film's lasting appeal and likelihood of multiple viewings.
-
IMDb 5.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 43% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 94%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 59 Metascore
User score 6.4
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 59% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.7 /5
5213 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 5.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Dalíland Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Dalíland from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1974 New York, Dalíland tells the intriguing story of James, a young assistant tasked with the significant responsibility of aiding the iconic surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. His mission is clear: ensure that Dalí completes his paintings in time for an anticipated, major exhibition. Upon entering Dalí’s chaotic realm at the luxurious St. Regis Hotel, James quickly finds himself enveloped in an extravagant world filled with a wild entourage, ongoing parties, and countless distractions.
Full summary
The whole story of Dalíland, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Dalíland Box Office
Dalíland grossed $508,421 worldwide. $82,769 came from the US and Canada and $425,652 (84%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$508.4K
- US & Canada
- $82.8K
- International
- $425.7K
Dalíland Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.
- Featurette Oscar Winner Sir Ben Kingsley on Becoming Salvador Dalí | DALÍLAND | TIFF 2023
How Well Do You Know Dalíland?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In which year is the main narrative of the movie set in New York City?
Dalíland Also Known As
13 alternative titles, including “Dali Land” and “Daliland”.
- Also known as
-
- Dali Land
- Daliland
- ウェルカム トゥ ダリ
- 達利:慾望之謎
- ДалиЛенд
- Dali Diyarı
- 달리랜드
- Dalilendas
- Быть Сальвадором Дали
- 达利之地
- Ma vie avec Dalí
- דאלילנד
+1 more Show fewer
- Dežela Dalí
Seen Dalíland?
Movies Like Dalíland
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Dali, Dali In New York and Daaaaaalí!.
-
Dali 1991 -
Dali In New York 1965 -
Daaaaaalí! 2024 -
Surrealissimo: The Trial of Salvador Dali 2002 -
Miss Dalí 2018 -
The Death of Salvador Dali 2005 -
Soft Self-Portrait of Salvador Dali 1969 -
Bunuel and King Solomon’s Table 2001 -
Goya in Bordeaux 2000 -
Salvador 1986 -
Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles 2019 -
Little Ashes 2009
Dalíland FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Dalíland, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Dalíland?
Dalíland runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).
When was Dalíland released?
Dalíland was released on June 9, 2023.
Who directed Dalíland?
Dalíland was directed by Mary Harron.
More films by Mary Harron Who is in the cast of Dalíland?
Dalíland stars Ben Kingsley as Salvador Dali, Christopher Briney as James and Barbara Sukowa as Gala, among 10 credited actors.
How much did Dalíland make at the box office?
Dalíland grossed $508,421 worldwide ($82,769 domestic, $425,652 international).
How is Dalíland rated?
Dalíland has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, 59 on Metacritic and 59% on TMDB.
Does Dalíland have a post-credit scene?
No. Dalíland has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
