Cast
View All
Carole Laure
as Marie Chapdeleine
Willie Lamothe
as Armand St. Amour
Daniel Pilon
as François Paradis
Pauline Julien
as Charlotte Juillet
Marcel Sabourin
as Ti-Noir L'Esperance
Denise Filiatrault
as Blanche Bellefeuille
Jacques Gagnon
as
Roger Le Bel
as Paper employee union archivist
Ernest Guimond
as Wilfred
Jacques Bouchard
as
Yvonne Diabo
as
J. Léo Gagnon
as
Bobby Hachey
as
Eugene Lahache
as
Gil LaRoche
as
Crew
Director
- Gilles Carle
Writer
- Arthur Lamothe
- Gilles Carle
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Death of a Lumberjack 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 Gilles Carle 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 1973, 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 Death of a Lumberjack took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.3 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 820 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Death of a Lumberjack 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 Newcomers, which focuses more on action than character development, The Death of a Lumberjack offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Milk Money and The Ice Harvest explore similar territory, The Death of a Lumberjack stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: January 25, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Budget: $250,000
