Cast
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James Aubrey
as Mike Beresford
Alison Elliot
as Ginny Wilshire
Mark Burns
as Harry Wilshire
Debbie Linden
as Carol
Andy Forray
as Vince Owen
Chris Jagger
as Nick
Sharon Maughan
as Helen Owen (as Sharon Mughan)
Ivor Roberts
as Inspector Gray
Antonia Pemberton
as W.P.C. Wilding
Faith Kent
as Miss Heatherton
John Hewer
as Donelly
Patrick Barr
as The Judge
Charles Collingwood
as Burlingham
Jeff Rawle
as Johnny McGee
Edward de Souza
as Mr. Archer
Crew
Director
- Pete Walker
Writer
- Murray Smith
Producer
- Pete Walker
Reviews
dennyjt
Rock songwriter Aubrey starts affair with tearaway Elliott, not realizing she is 14 years old. Trouble ensues when he continues seeing her after he learns the truth. It all leads to a court appearance. Sober treatment of the subject but the characters never elicit too much interest. Walker had more success with his twisted horror pictures.
Jul 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Home Before Midnight 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 Pete Walker 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 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 Home Before Midnight took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 170 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1704 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 197 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Home Before Midnight 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 Juror, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Home Before Midnight subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Poison Ivy explore similar territory, Home Before Midnight 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: October 18, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 51m
