Cast
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Claude Brasseur
as François Beretton
Brigitte Fossey
as Françoise Beretton
Sophie Marceau
as Victoire Beretton, known as “Vic”
Denise Grey
as Poupette, François' grandmother, Vic's great-grandmother
Pierre Cosso
as Philippe Berthier
Lambert Wilson
as Félix Maréchal
Alexandre Sterling
as Mathieu
Sheila O'Connor
as Pénélope Fontanet
Alexandra Gonin
as Samantha Fontanet, Penelope's younger sister
Daniel Russo
as Étienne, François' dentist friend
Jean-Philippe Léonard
as Stéphane
Laurent N'Diaye
as Arnaud
Philippe Kelly
as Reddo
Alain Beigel
as Raoul
Laetitia Gabrielli
as Joëlle, who has to take her swimming test without knowing how to swim
Crew
Director
- Claude Pinoteau
Writer
- Claude Pinoteau
- Danièle Thompson
Producer
- Marcel Dassault
- Alain Poiré
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Party 2 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 Claude Pinoteau 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 Party 2 took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 274 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- 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 Party 2 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike VeggieTales: An Easter Carol, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Party 2 offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Stop Train 349 and Samba explore similar territory, The Party 2 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: December 8, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 49m
