The Twentieth Century (2019): Cast & Ratings
The Twentieth Century is a 2019 comedy directed by Matthew Rankin, starring Dan Beirne as Mackenzie King, Seán Cullen and Martin Dubreuil. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Its Echo Score is 82/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 30m (90 min)
- Director
- Matthew Rankin
- Genre
- Comedy
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Voyelles Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Twentieth Century About?
The premise of The Twentieth Century without spoilers.
In 1899 Toronto, William Lyon Mackenzie King is driven by an unwavering ambition to become Prime Minister. To achieve his goal, he must confront his personal demons and navigate a challenging journey filled with obstacles and intense struggles. The story explores the fiery passions and difficult trials that shape his ascent to power.
The Twentieth Century Cast & Characters
Dan Beirne leads the cast as Mackenzie King, with Seán Cullen as Lord Muto and Martin Dubreuil as John Christian Schultz. Directed by Matthew Rankin; 29 actors are credited in all.
- Director Matthew Rankin
-
Dan Beirne as Mackenzie King -
Seán Cullen as Lord Muto - Martin Dubreuil as John Christian Schultz
- Richard Jutras as Father
Also Starring in The Twentieth Century
· 25 more- Louis Negin Mother
- Ève Duranceau Meighen Acolyte #3
- Emmanuel Schwartz Lady Violet
- Marie Brassard Asbestos Miner
- Gordon Masten President Kruger
- Kee Chan Dr. Milton Wakefield
- Brent Skagford Arthur Meighen
- Sarianne Cormier Nurse Lapointe
- Bernard Arène Garbageman O'Malley
- Guillaume Lambert Pupil (R. B. Bennett)
- Trevor Anderson Mr. Justice Richardson
- Annie St-Pierre Joseph-Israël Tarte
- Simon Lacroix Meighen Acolyte #2
- Mikhaïl Ahooja Bert Harper
- Charlotte Legault Angel of Britain
- Catherine St-Laurent Ruby Elliott
Show all 29 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Jadyn Malone Smoking Child
- James McGee Winnipeg Street Urchin / Mountie #2
- Claude Chamberlan Compulsive Onanist
- Satine Scarlett Montaz Little Charlotte
- Lar Simms Sargent-at-Arms
- Vance Gillis Meighen Acolyte #1 / Mountie #1
- Jess Murwin Miss Cramp
- Theodor Ushev Giantess of Strathcona
- Brandon Lising Albatross / Freezing Orphan
The Twentieth Century Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in art & craft (92) and weakest in story & flow (63).
The Twentieth Century Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, the film presents a bold, stylized satire that leans heavily on visual invention and absurdist humor. Critics highlight its expressionist production design and inventive set pieces, while noting that the narrative can be deliberately chaotic and historically opaque. Audience responses echo this duality, praising the unique tone but pointing to occasional confusion. The combined effect is a memorable, if uneven, cinematic experience that rewards viewers attuned to its manic aesthetic.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 92
In terms of art and craft, the film excels through its extravagant production design and striking visual composition. Reviewers repeatedly commend the German‑expressionist sets, hallucinatory color palettes, and meticulous framing that evoke a surreal historical tableau. Directional choices favor bold stylization over realism, reinforcing the film’s satirical intent. Consequently, the artistic execution stands out as a primary strength.
- Character & Emotion 78
When evaluating character and emotion, the film offers a deliberately caricatured portrayal rather than nuanced performances. Critics note the deadpan comic timing and absurd personalities, which serve the satire but limit emotional depth. Audience feedback reflects a similar view, finding the humor engaging while feeling the characters remain secondary to visual spectacle. Overall, character work is serviceable but not a focal achievement.
- Story & Flow 63
The story and flow hinge on an intentionally disjointed, absurd plot that lampoons historical events. Reviewers applaud the originality and daring structure, yet acknowledge that narrative coherence suffers, leading to occasional bewilderment. User comments echo this tension, describing the film as both captivating and confusing. Thus, the storytelling is inventive but uneven in sustaining engagement.
- Sensory Experience 88
Sensory experience is a dominant asset, with an eclectic soundtrack, bold sound design, and striking visual motifs. Critics highlight the surreal spectacle, animated interludes, and meticulously crafted sets that recall German expressionism and Lynchian oddities. Although audio elements receive less specific commentary, the overall aural‑visual harmony reinforces the film’s chaotic tone. Consequently, the sensory dimension significantly elevates the viewing experience.
- Rewatch Factor 80
The rewatch factor benefits from the film’s dense visual jokes and layered absurdity, which reveal new details on subsequent viewings. Critics suggest the unique aesthetic may either captivate or alienate, implying a polarizing but repeatable appeal. User remarks note enjoyment derived from the quirky humor and insider references, indicating that familiarity enhances appreciation. Overall, the movie offers solid replay value for audiences attuned to its eccentric style.
The Twentieth Century Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Twentieth Century.
The Twentieth Century Also Known As
9 alternative titles, including “The 20th Century” and “Le 20ème Siècle”.
- Also known as
-
- The 20th Century
- Le 20ème Siècle
- The Twentieth Century: The Epic of Mackenzie King As Recounted in Ten Chapters
- Le Vingtième Siècle
- Двадцатый век
- 二十世纪
- 20세기 최고의 수상
- ㊣麥肯齊金總理秘史♂
- 20. Yüzyıl
Seen The Twentieth Century?
The Twentieth Century FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Twentieth Century, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Twentieth Century?
The Twentieth Century runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).
When was The Twentieth Century released?
The Twentieth Century was released on September 7, 2019.
Who directed The Twentieth Century?
The Twentieth Century was directed by Matthew Rankin.
More films by Matthew Rankin Who is in the cast of The Twentieth Century?
The Twentieth Century stars Dan Beirne as Mackenzie King, Seán Cullen as Lord Muto and Martin Dubreuil as John Christian Schultz, among 29 credited actors.
Does The Twentieth Century have a post-credit scene?
No. The Twentieth Century has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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