Cast
View All
Elizabeth Taylor
as Barbara Sawyer
Henry Fonda
as Mark Sawyer
Helmut Berger
as Erich
Keith Baxter
as David
Maurice Teynac
as Doctor Lambert
Margaret Blye
as Kate Sawyer
Sandy Johnson
as Sandy
Monique van Vooren
as German Woman
Henning Schlüter
as Bridge Player
Dino Mele
as Mario
Kathy Van Lypps
as Mandy
Dina Sassoli
as Nurse Ilse
Carlo Puri
as Paolo
Andrea Esterhazy
as Comte d'Arnoud
Jill Pratt
as Simone
Crew
Director
- Larry Peerce
Writer
- Jean-Claude Tramont
Producer
- Dominick Dunne
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Ash Wednesday represents a fascinating example of Mystery 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 Larry Peerce 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 Ash Wednesday took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2011 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- 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 Ash Wednesday shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Winter Kill, which focuses more on action than character development, Ash Wednesday subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Shattered and The Man Who Knew Too Much explore similar territory, Ash Wednesday 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: November 1, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 39m
