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The Fortress

The Fortress (1979)

Jan 01, 1979 2h 2m Science Fiction

A World War II-style "war game" setting the wealthy customers against skilled mercenaries goes awry when the simulated war gets too real.

Directed by Miklós Szinetár

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Miklós Szinetár
Writer
  • Miklós Szinetár

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Thematic Analysis

As a science fiction narrative, The Fortress explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.

Director Miklós Szinetár 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 1979, 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 The Fortress took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 122 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 181 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1556 individual shots.
  • The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1979, when this film was released:
  • Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
  • 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 The Fortress shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Contact, which focuses more on action than character development, The Fortress subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Moonraker and The Man Who Fell to Earth explore similar territory, The Fortress 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: January 1, 1979
  • Runtime: 2h 2m

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