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Dead Heart

Dead Heart (1986)

May 28, 1986 44m Documentary

The Australians call the endless deserts in the interior of the continent the "dead heart". Here lies the town of Birdsville, 23 houses and a bar with a liquor license. The long-awaited telephone connection arrived in 1979, 90 years after it had been applied for. For one weekend, this place at the end of the world turns into a cauldron when 5,000 Australians, tired of civilization, invade for the annual horse race, the "Birdsville Cup". They come in buses, off-road vehicles, motorcycles and sports planes and have become a veritable plague. Because here, everyone can do what they've always wanted to do: for example, get drunk until they drop and never get up again. The collective mass drinking reaches its peak on Saturday night. By Monday morning, the fun is over. What remains is a village with 23 houses, a bar and a street littered with 80,000 empty beer cans.

Directed by Oliver Herbrich

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Oliver Herbrich
Writer
  • Oliver Herbrich
Producer
  • Titus Lange
  • Petra Vonhausen
  • Oliver Herbrich

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Thematic Analysis

Dead Heart represents a fascinating example of Documentary 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 Oliver Herbrich 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 1986, 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 Dead Heart took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 44 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 81 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1986, when this film was released:
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Dead Heart 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 Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat, which focuses more on action than character development, Dead Heart subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Night and Fog and The Catastrophe Garden explore similar territory, Dead Heart 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: May 28, 1986
  • Runtime: 44m