Cast
View AllFernando Fernán Gómez
as Juan
Elvira Quintillá
as Carmen
Félix Fernández
as Rafa
José Luis Ozores
as Luis
Fernando Aguirre
as Organizer
Manuel Arbó
as Esteban
Matilde Muñoz Sampedro
as Amparo
Antonio García Quijada
as Manolo
Antonio Garisa
as Florentino
José Franco
as Tenor
Alady
as Technician
Rafael Bardem
as Don Julián
Rafael Alonso
as Insurance Broker
José Orjas
as Waiter
Francisco Bernal
as Chauffeur
Crew
Director
- Juan Antonio Bardem
- Luis García Berlanga
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
That Happy Couple 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 Juan Antonio Bardem 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 1953, 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 That Happy Couple took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 46 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1953, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While That Happy Couple 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 Bucket List, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, That Happy Couple offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Tropic Thunder and Running with Scissors explore similar territory, That Happy Couple 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: August 31, 1953
- Runtime: 1h 18m