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The Borrowers

The Borrowers (1973)

An eight-year-old boy discovers a family of tiny people, only a few inches tall, living beneath the floorboards of a Victorian country home.

Directed by Walter C. Miller

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Walter C. Miller
Writer
  • Jay Presson Allen
Producer
  • Warren Lockhart
  • Walt deFaria

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Thematic Analysis

The Borrowers represents a fascinating example of Family/Fantasy/Adventure/TV Movie 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 Walter C. Miller 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 1973, 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 Borrowers took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1448 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1973, when this film was released:
  • Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Meet the Robinsons, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Borrowers offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Forbidden Kingdom and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas explore similar territory, The Borrowers stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: December 14, 1973
  • Runtime: 1h 21m

Where to Watch

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