Backdrop preview Day and Night backdrop
Day and Night

Day and Night (1997)

Feb 12, 1997 1h 48m Drama

Ten years ago, distinguished French author Alexandre (Alain Delon) exchanged his stressful, hectic life in Paris for a more peaceful existence upon a Mexican hacienda with his wife Ariane (Marianne Denicourt). Lucien (Jean-Pierre Kalfon) also accompanies them. There, Alexandre meets the strange lady-oracle Sonia (Lauren Bacall). As the film opens, the melancholy Alexandre is visited by the sensuous actress Laure (Arielle Dombasle) and her producer Raoul Fillipi (Karl Zero) who is going to make a movie of one of Alexandre's best-loved books. Laure is determined to play the part of the heroine and is willing to resort to seduction to get it. At the same time, Ariane is involved in a passionate affair with French-Mexican seismologist Carlo (Xavier Beauvois). While all of these characters wrangle and tangle with their different agendas, the local residents prepare for a violent revolution. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Directed by Bernard-Henri Lévy

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Bernard-Henri Lévy
Writer
  • Jean-Paul Enthoven
  • Bernard-Henri Lévy

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Day and Night 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 Bernard-Henri Lévy 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 1997, 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 Day and Night took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 160 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2373 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1997, when this film was released:
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Day and 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 I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, which focuses more on action than character development, Day and Night subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like To Walk Invisible and A Knight's Tale explore similar territory, Day and 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: February 12, 1997
  • Runtime: 1h 48m