Real Life
“An American Comedy”
Synopsis
A pushy, narcissistic filmmaker persuades a Phoenix family to let him and his crew film their everyday lives, in the manner of the ground-breaking PBS series "An American Family".
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
REAL LIFE - (1979) Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2016-09-12
Top Cast
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Albert Brooks
Albert Brooks
Charles Grodin
Warren Yeager
Frances Lee McCain
Jeannette Yeager
Lisa Urette
Lisa Yeager
Robert Stirrat
Eric Yeager
Matthew Tobin
Dr. Howard Hill
J.A. Preston
Dr. Ted Cleary
Mort Lindsey
Mort Lindsey
Joseph Schaffler
Paul Lowell - Realtor
Phyllis Quinn
Donna Stanley - Gift Shop Owner
James Ritz
Jack from Cincinnati
Clifford Einstein
Role Reversal Family Father
Harold Einstein
Role Reversal Family Son
Mandy Einstein
Role Reversal Family Mother
Karen Einstein
Role Reversal Family Daughter
James L. Brooks
Driving Evaluator
Zeke Manners
Driver in Evaluation
Dudley DeZonia
Andrew Felton - Alternate Family Father
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 2, 1979
Wide Cinema Exhibition
January 1, 2024
VOD & Digital Platforms
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$365K
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Albert Brooks
- Screenplay & Story
- Albert Brooks, Monica Johnson, Harry Shearer
- Original Score
- Mort Lindsey
- Original Title
- Real Life
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 39m
- Worldwide Gross
- $365K
- Production Studios
- Paramount Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Albert Brooks
Albert Brooks, Monica Johnson, Harry Shearer
Mort Lindsey
Eric Saarinen
David Finfer
Penelope Spheeris, Norman Epstein, Jonathan Kovler
Department Leadership Roster
Albert Brooks
Director
Albert Brooks
Writer
Monica Johnson
Writer
Harry Shearer
Writer
Penelope Spheeris
Producer
Eric Saarinen
Director of Photography
David Finfer
Editor
Mort Lindsey
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Real Life.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Real Life.
My Movies
Master List In Progress
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1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (All editions 2003-2024). A cumulative list including films subsequently removed in later editions. Totaling 1,260 films as of Nov 2024. 《1001部死前必看的电影》（2003-2024 全版本累积版）： 包含自2003年首版至2024年11月德语版修订的所有影片。即使在后期版本中被剔除的电影也予以保留。 *注：榜单源数据中包含部分剧集/迷你剧，由于本片单只收录纯电影，故不再收录以下非电影条目：* • [#019] Lovers Rock (2020) • [#418] Dekalog (1989) *(Updated via Automated ETL Pipeline: 2026-10-18 07:40:36 UTC+8)*
Criterion Collection
The Complete Criterion Collection. The Criterion Collection is a video distribution company that sells 'important classic and contemporary films' in editions that offer the highest technical quality. This list contains only the featured films released on DVD, BluRay and 4K Criterion releases — no supplements are included. Organized by spine number with the newest releases first. CC标准收藏完整收录版： 收录标准收藏（Criterion Collection）发行的重要经典及当代电影。仅包含正片（涵盖 DVD、蓝光及 4K 版本），已排除花絮补充内容。按 CC 发行编号倒序排列（最新发行在前）。 *注：榜单源数据中包含部分剧集/迷你剧，由于本片单只收录纯电影，故不再收录以下非电影条目：* • [#214] Mangrove (2020) • [#215] Lovers Rock (2020) • [#216] Red, White and Blue (2020) • [#217] Alex Wheatle (2020) • [#486] Eight Hours Don’t Make a Day (1972) • [#647] Dekalog (1989) • [#944] World on a Wire (1973) • [#1187] Berlin Alexanderplatz (1980) • [#1338] Fanny and Alexander (1984) • [#1341] Tanner '88 (1988) • [#1371] Scenes from a Marriage (1973) *注：以下影片因 TMDB 尚未收录，暂不在此片单中展示：* • [#531] First (2012) • [#1699] Ulysse (1983) *(Updated via Automated ETL Pipeline: 2026-10-11 07:39:08 UTC+8)*
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Frequently Asked Questions About Real Life
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Real Life about?
A pushy, narcissistic filmmaker persuades a Phoenix family to let him and his crew film their everyday lives, in the manner of the ground-breaking PBS series "An American Family".
Who directed Real Life?
Real Life was directed by Albert Brooks.
Who stars in Real Life?
The principal cast of Real Life includes Albert Brooks, Charles Grodin, Frances Lee McCain, Lisa Urette, Robert Stirrat.
When was Real Life released and how long is it?
Real Life was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 1h 39m.
How much did Real Life make at the box office?
Real Life grossed $365K in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for Real Life?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Real Life was composed by Mort Lindsey.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Real Life?
Real Life holds official age classifications: US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).