Synecdoche, New York
A theater director struggles with his work, and the women in his life, as he attempts to create a life-size replica of New York inside a warehouse as part of his new play.
Critics Sentiment
Caden wanders ruined warehouse set as voice commands him to die
Hazel dies from smoke inhalation in her constantly burning house
The film drops significantly during Hazel's death sequence before recovering powerfully for the acclaimed final act.
Critics found Synecdoche, New York most compelling in its ambitious middle section and extraordinary finale, though many struggled with its relentless bleakness and narrative confusion. The film's intellectual profundity and Hoffman's fearless performance earned widespread praise, but reviewers were divided on whether its experimental structure enhanced or hindered emotional connection. Most critics ultimately recognized it as a flawed but genuinely ambitious work of surreal brilliance.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 56
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Caden Cotard
Samantha Morton
Hazel
Michelle Williams
Claire Keen
Catherine Keener
Adele Lack
Emily Watson
Tammy
Dianne Wiest
Ellen Bascomb / Millicent Weems
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Maria
Hope Davis
Madeleine Gravis
Tom Noonan
Sammy Barnathan
Sadie Goldstein
Olive (4 years old)
Robin Weigert
Adult Olive
Deirdre O'Connell
Ellen's Mother
Alice Drummond
Actress Playing Frances
Amy Wright
Burning House Realtor
Elizabeth Marvel
Warehouse Realtor
Christopher Evan Welch
Pastor
Charles Techman
Like Clockwork Patient
Tom Greer
Medic
Josh Pais
Ophthalmologist
Lynn Cohen
Caden's Mother
Crew
Write a Review
Rate each story beat:
