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The Dybbuk

The Dybbuk (1968)

Jan 01, 1968 1h 35m Drama Fantasy Horror

A young woman is possessed by a malicious spirit.

Directed by Ilan Eldad

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Ilan Eldad
Writer
  • Ilan Eldad
  • Shraga Friedman
Producer
  • Hayo Shufa
  • Amatsia Hiuni

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Thematic Analysis

This Drama/Fantasy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Dybbuk presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Ilan Eldad 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 1968, 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 The Dybbuk took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2095 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1968, when this film was released:
  • Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
  • The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Dybbuk Box: True Story of Chris Chambers, which focuses more on action than character development, The Dybbuk offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Dybbuk and The Dybbuk of the Holy Apple Field explore similar territory, The Dybbuk stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: January 1, 1968
  • Runtime: 1h 35m