Skip to content
Theory of Achievement poster
6.3 / 10(14 votes)IMDb199118mUnited States of America

Theory of Achievement

Synopsis

This short film was packaged on video with Hartley's featurette "Surviving Desire." It affectionately examines the lives of a group of "young, middle-class, white, college-educated, unskilled, broke, drunk" Brooklynites who would love to make something of their lives -- assuming they can pay the rent first.

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

March 7, 1991

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Hal Hartley
Screenplay & Story
Hal Hartley
Original Score
Hal Hartley
Original Title
Theory of Achievement
Country of Origin
United States of America
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
18m
Production Studios
Alive From Off Center, Yo Productions #2

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Hal Hartley

Screenplay & Story

Hal Hartley

Original Score & Music

Hal Hartley

Director of Photography

Michael Spiller

Producers

Ted Hope, Larry Meistrich

Department Leadership Roster

Hal Hartley

Hal Hartley

Director

Hal Hartley

Hal Hartley

Writer

Ted Hope

Ted Hope

Producer

Larry Meistrich

Producer

Steve Rosenzweig

Production Design

Michael Spiller

Michael Spiller

Director of Photography

Hal Hartley

Hal Hartley

Original Music Composer

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Theory of Achievement.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Theory of Achievement.

500 best 91's movies

488 titles

092. Black Lodge VI: Blu-rays & DVDs

Hal Hartley, Adrienne Shelly, Steve Balderson, Christian Bale, Bret Easton Ellis, Kurt Wimmer

45 titles

More Like Theory of Achievement

Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.

6.3
6.2
6.2
5.9
6.2
6.3
6.0
6.1
6.1
6.2
5.9
6.3

Frequently Asked Questions About Theory of Achievement

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Theory of Achievement about?

This short film was packaged on video with Hartley's featurette "Surviving Desire." It affectionately examines the lives of a group of "young, middle-class, white, college-educated, unskilled, broke, drunk" Brooklynites who would love to make something of their lives -- assuming they can pay the rent first.

Who directed Theory of Achievement?

Theory of Achievement was directed by Hal Hartley.

Who stars in Theory of Achievement?

The principal cast of Theory of Achievement includes Bob Gosse, Jessica Sager, Jeffrey Howard, Elina Löwensohn, Bill Sage.

When was Theory of Achievement released and how long is it?

Theory of Achievement was released in 1991 with a total runtime of 18m.

Who composed the musical score for Theory of Achievement?

The original motion picture soundtrack for Theory of Achievement was composed by Hal Hartley.