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It Was the Son

It Was the Son (2012)

Sep 01, 2012 1h 30m Comedy Crime Drama

The Ciraulo family lives in the miserable district of Palermo called "Zen". When one of their children dies in a shootout between mafia gangsters they receive compensation and buy a luxury black Volvo. Things go wrong when Trancredi, another son, takes the car out and damages the car door.

Directed by Daniele Ciprì

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Daniele Ciprì
Writer
  • Miriam Rizzo
Producer
  • Alessandra Acciai
  • Giorgio Magliulo

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, It Was the Son examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Daniele Ciprì 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 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of It Was the Son took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $2.1 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 2419 individual shots.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2012, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While It Was the Son 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 Godfather, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, It Was the Son offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Some Like It Hot and The Godfather Part II explore similar territory, It Was the Son 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: September 1, 2012
  • Runtime: 1h 30m
  • Budget: $2,100,000
  • Revenue: $1,073,326

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