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The Time of the Hunt

The Time of the Hunt (1972)

Oct 06, 1972 1h 38m Drama

A young boy learns the rituals of what his father and his friends perceive as manhood on a weekend hunting trip.

Directed by Francis Mankiewicz

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Francis Mankiewicz
Writer
  • Francis Mankiewicz
Producer
  • Pierre Gauvreau

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Time of the Hunt examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Francis Mankiewicz 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 1972, 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 Time of the Hunt took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 212 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1297 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1972, when this film was released:
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Time of the Hunt shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Harry and the Hendersons, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Time of the Hunt subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Aura and Trigger Man explore similar territory, The Time of the Hunt 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: October 6, 1972
  • Runtime: 1h 38m
  • Budget: $200,000

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