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White Oleander (film)

White Oleander
Whiteorleander.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Peter Kosminsky
Produced by Hunt Lowry
John Wells
Screenplay by Mary Agnes Donoghue
Based on White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Starring Alison Lohman
Michelle Pfeiffer
Robin Wright
Renée Zellweger
Music by Thomas Newman
Cinematography Elliot Davis
Edited by Chris Ridsdale
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Pandora/Gaylord Films
Umbrella Entertainment
Release date
  • October 11, 2002 (2002-10-11)
Running time
109 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $16,000,000
Box office $21,672,284

White Oleander is a 2002 American drama film directed by Peter Kosminsky. The cast stars Alison Lohman in the central role of Astrid Magnussen and Michelle Pfeiffer as her temperamental mother Ingrid, with Robin Wright, Noah Wyle and Renée Zellweger in supporting roles.

The screenplay was adapted from Janet Fitch's 1999 novel White Oleander, which was selected for Oprah's Book Club in May 1999.

The narrator, Astrid Magnussen (Alison Lohman), is the 15-year-old daughter of free-spirited artist Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer). Since her father left before she was old enough to remember him, Astrid depends heavily upon the care of her passionate but largely self-centered mother.

Ingrid's current relationship with a vulgar man named Barry (Billy Connolly) ends when she discovers he is cheating on her with younger women. Ingrid murders him with a poison made from white oleander. Ingrid is arrested and sentenced to life in prison, leaving Astrid in foster care, in the hands of many foster parents.

Astrid is sent to live with foster mother Starr Thomas (Robin Wright), a former stripper who is a recovering alcoholic and born-again Christian. Though they initially interact well, Starr suspects her live-in boyfriend Ray (Cole Hauser) and Astrid are having an affair. After a loud argument with him, she runs into Astrid's room in a blind rage and shoots her.

After spending time in a violent group foster home, where she strikes up a relationship with fellow artist Paul Trout (Patrick Fugit), Astrid is placed in the care of Claire Richards (Renée Zellweger), a former actress. Claire is a sweet, affectionate woman who provides stability for Astrid.


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