Cast
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Jean-Paul Belmondo
as Mike Gaucher / Bruno Ferrari
Raquel Welch
as Jane Gardner
Dany Saval
as Doris
Raymond Gérôme
as Le comte de Saint-Prix
Jane Birkin
as La vedette féminine
Johnny Hallyday
as La vedette masculine
Yves Mourousi
as Yves Mourousi
Charles Gérard
as Hyacinthe
Claude Chabrol
as Le metteur en scène
Aldo Maccione
as Sergio Campanese
Julien Guiomar
as Fechner
Richard Bohringer
as L'assistant-réalisateur
Jean-Jacques
as Philémon
Crew
Director
- Claude Zidi
Producer
- René Malo
- Christian Fechner
- Jean-Paul Belmondo
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Animal represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Claude Zidi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1977, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Animal took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1977, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Animal shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Army of Darkness, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Animal offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Evan Almighty and Surf's Up explore similar territory, Animal stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 5, 1977
- Runtime: 1h 40m
