# Sphere

> 1998 film by Barry Levinson

**Wikidata**: [Q744500](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q744500)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphere_(1998_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sphere

## Summary
*Sphere* is a 1998 American film directed by Barry Levinson, produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, and set in the United States. It is a mystery film with elements of adventure and science fiction, blending psychological themes with a high-concept premise about a mysterious, spherical object that appears in various locations worldwide.

## Key Facts
- **Release Year**: 1998
- **Director**: Barry Levinson
- **Production Company**: Warner Bros. Entertainment
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Genre**: Mystery film, adventure film, science fiction film
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1200678
- **IMDb ID**: tt0120184
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: 1000000000
- **Metacritic ID**: 1000000000
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: sphere
- **AllMovie ID**: v160502
- **Letterboxd ID**: 16650
- **TMDb ID**: 556710
- **Freebase ID**: /m/04rncw
- **Wikipedia Title**: Sphere (1998 film)
- **Publication Dates**: January 1, 1998; April 2, 1998 (wide release); February 13, 1998 (limited release)
- **Sitelink Count**: 36 (Wikipedia language editions)
- **Wikidata Description**: "1998 film by Barry Levinson"

## FAQs
**What genre does *Sphere* belong to?**
*Sphere* is classified as a mystery film with elements of adventure and science fiction. It blends psychological themes with a high-concept premise, making it a unique blend of genres.

**Who directed *Sphere*?**
The film was directed by Barry Levinson, a renowned filmmaker known for works like *Rain Man* and *Wag the Dog*.

**What production company produced *Sphere*?**
Warner Bros. Entertainment produced *Sphere*, a major American entertainment company with a long history in film production.

**Where was *Sphere* filmed?**
The film was set in the United States, with production taking place in various locations across the country.

**What is the plot of *Sphere*?**
The film follows a mysterious, spherical object that appears in different locations worldwide, leading to a series of events that unfold in real-time, blending psychological and scientific themes.

**What are the release dates for *Sphere*?**
*Sphere* was released on January 1, 1998, with a wide release on April 2, 1998, and a limited release on February 13, 1998.

## Why It Matters
*Sphere* is significant as a high-concept mystery film that blends psychological and scientific themes, offering a unique narrative experience. Directed by Barry Levinson, the film was produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, a leading American entertainment company. Its release in 1998 contributed to the growing trend of science fiction and mystery films that explored complex, real-time narratives. The film's premise, involving a mysterious spherical object appearing in different locations, made it a standout in the genre, appealing to audiences interested in both psychological intrigue and high-concept storytelling.

## Notable For
- **High-Concept Premise**: *Sphere* is notable for its unique narrative structure, which involves a mysterious spherical object appearing in different locations worldwide.
- **Genre Blending**: The film successfully blends elements of mystery, adventure, and science fiction, creating a distinct cinematic experience.
- **Barry Levinson Direction**: Directed by Barry Levinson, the film showcases his signature style of blending psychological depth with high-concept storytelling.
- **Warner Bros. Production**: Produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, the film benefits from the company's extensive experience in film production and distribution.
- **Real-Time Narrative**: The film's real-time structure, where events unfold simultaneously in different locations, is a standout feature that sets it apart from other mystery films.
- **Psychological Themes**: *Sphere* explores deep psychological themes, adding layers of complexity to its narrative and character development.
- **Science Fiction Elements**: The film incorporates elements of science fiction, making it a unique entry in the genre that blends both psychological and scientific themes.

## Body

### Core Definition and Classification
*Sphere* is a 1998 American film directed by Barry Levinson and produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment. It is classified as a mystery film with elements of adventure and science fiction, blending psychological themes with a high-concept premise. The film is notable for its unique narrative structure, which involves a mysterious spherical object appearing in different locations worldwide, leading to a series of events that unfold in real-time.

### Production and Release
*Sphere* was produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, a major American entertainment company with a long history in film production. The film was directed by Barry Levinson, a renowned filmmaker known for works like *Rain Man* and *Wag the Dog*. It was released on January 1, 1998, with a wide release on April 2, 1998, and a limited release on February 13, 1998. The film was set in the United States, with production taking place in various locations across the country.

### Genre and Themes
*Sphere* is classified as a mystery film with elements of adventure and science fiction. It blends psychological themes with a high-concept premise, making it a unique blend of genres. The film's real-time structure, where events unfold simultaneously in different locations, is a standout feature that sets it apart from other mystery films. The film explores deep psychological themes, adding layers of complexity to its narrative and character development.

### Narrative and Plot
The film follows a mysterious, spherical object that appears in different locations worldwide, leading to a series of events that unfold in real-time. The narrative structure is unique, with the film blending psychological and scientific themes to create a distinct cinematic experience. The plot involves a series of interconnected events that unfold simultaneously in different locations, making *Sphere* a standout in the mystery film genre.

### Production Companies and Distribution
*Sphere* was produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, a major American entertainment company with a long history in film production. The film was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a leading film distribution company. The film's production and distribution were handled by the Warner Bros. Entertainment group, ensuring a high-quality release for audiences.

### Related Works and Influences
*Sphere* is influenced by other mystery and science fiction films that explore high-concept narratives and psychological themes. The film's real-time structure is inspired by other works in the genre that blend multiple storylines into a cohesive narrative. The film's premise, involving a mysterious spherical object, is unique and sets it apart from other mystery films.

### Cultural and Historical Context
*Sphere* was released in 1998, a year that saw a growing trend in science fiction and mystery films that explored complex, real-time narratives. The film's release contributed to this trend, appealing to audiences interested in both psychological intrigue and high-concept storytelling. The film's cultural and historical context is reflected in its unique narrative structure and blend of genres.

### Technical and Structural Components
*Sphere* is notable for its technical and structural components, which include a unique narrative structure, blending psychological and scientific themes. The film's real-time structure, where events unfold simultaneously in different locations, is a standout feature that sets it apart from other mystery films. The film's technical and structural components contribute to its distinct cinematic experience.

### Reception and Legacy
*Sphere* received mixed reviews upon release, with critics praising its unique narrative structure and visual effects but criticizing its pacing and character development. The film has since gained a cult following, with audiences appreciating its high-concept premise and blend of genres. The film's legacy is reflected in its influence on other mystery and science fiction films that explore complex, real-time narratives.

### Related Entities
*Sphere* is related to other mystery and science fiction films, including *The Matrix*, *Inception*, and *The Thirteenth Floor*. These films share a similar blend of psychological and scientific themes, as well as a high-concept narrative structure. The film is also related to the work of director Barry Levinson, who has directed other notable mystery and science fiction films.

### Conclusion
*Sphere* is a unique and standout entry in the mystery film genre, blending psychological and scientific themes with a high-concept narrative structure. Directed by Barry Levinson and produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, the film is notable for its real-time structure, which sets it apart from other mystery films. The film's cultural and historical context, as well as its technical and structural components, contribute to its distinct cinematic experience. *Sphere* has gained a cult following since its release, with audiences appreciating its unique premise and blend of genres.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. Sphere. Rotten Tomatoes
3. [Source](http://www.zelluloid.de/filme/index.php3?id=173)
4. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120184/releaseinfo)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0120184/)
7. Kinopoisk
8. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/sphere/)
9. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
10. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=16650.html)
11. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
12. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/94259)
13. Cineplex
14. Online-Filmdatenbank
15. Bechdel Test Movie List
16. mymovies.it
17. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/8795-BC86-D385-27D6-6149-7)
18. Danish Film Database
19. Kanopy
20. Trakt.tv
21. FilmVandaag.nl