Backdrop preview Seaside backdrop
Seaside

Seaside (2002)

Dec 04, 2002 1h 30m Drama

Seaside takes place in a small coastal town on the Bay of Somme. The year-round inhabitants find ways to make their lives work; Paul, a lifeguard in the summer, works at the grocery all winter. His mother, Rose (Ogier) likes to play the slots just about anytime; his girlfriend Marie works in the local factory - the town's biggest business - but watching the summertime vacationers each year just makes her increasingly curious about what else might be out there. From these and several other stories, aided by close, revealing observations, we see a community perched between transition and stasis.

Directed by Julie Lopes-Curval

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Julie Lopes-Curval
Writer
  • Julie Lopes-Curval
  • François Favrat
Producer
  • Alain Benguigui

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Seaside 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 Julie Lopes-Curval 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 2002, 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 Seaside took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 382 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 1374 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2002, when this film is released:
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Seaside 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 Piano, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Seaside offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Little Miss Sunshine and Annaluise & Anton explore similar territory, Seaside stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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 4, 2002
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
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