Cast
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Monique Mercure
as Fat Louise
Jacques Godin
as Tarzan
Roger Blay
as The king
Luce Guilbeault
as Hélène
Michelle Rossignol
as Feather
Patricia Nolin
as Françoise
Louise Rémy
as Babette
Benoît Girard
as Bo-Jean
Pierre Thériault
as Bilou
Pierre Gobeil
as Jacques
Aubert Pallascio
as Hard skin
Caroline Beaudoin
as Fat Louise child
Benoît Pellerin
as The Child King
Marie-Josée Riendeau
as Babette child
Nathalie St-Arnault
as The feather child
Crew
Director
- Anne-Claire Poirier
Writer
- Anne-Claire Poirier
- Marthe Blackburn
Producer
- Jacques Vallée
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Forties 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 Anne-Claire Poirier 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 1982, 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 Forties took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 44 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Forties shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Four Rooms, which focuses more on action than character development, The Forties offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Oppressed Majority and One Small Hero explore similar territory, The Forties 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: May 26, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Budget: $1,200,000
