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Career Girl

Career Girl (1960)

May 01, 1960 1h 1m Drama

Young attractive blonde arrives in Hollywood looking for a career in the movies.

Directed by Harold David

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Harold David
Writer
  • H.E. Barrie

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Career Girl examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Harold David 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1960, 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 Career Girl took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 61 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 102 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 1796 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1960, when this film was released:
  • The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Career Girl shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Devil's Rejects, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Career Girl offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Dogville and The Elephant Man explore similar territory, Career Girl stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 1, 1960
  • Runtime: 1h 1m

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