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A Fairy Tale Told at Night

A Fairy Tale Told at Night (1981)

A story based on the tales "The Marble Heart" and "The Spessart Inn" by Wilhelm Hauff.

Directed by Irma Raush

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Irma Raush
Writer
  • Ilya Fyodorov

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Thematic Analysis

A Fairy Tale Told at Night represents a fascinating example of Adventure/Family/Fantasy 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 Irma Raush 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 1981, 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 A Fairy Tale Told at Night took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 76 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 111 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 70 unique compositions.
  • The film contains approximately 1944 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1981, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While A Fairy Tale Told at Night shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Edward Scissorhands, which focuses more on action than character development, A Fairy Tale Told at Night subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Snow White and Little Boy Blue explore similar territory, A Fairy Tale Told at Night stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: August 30, 1981
  • Runtime: 1h 16m

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