Backdrop preview Miss Julie backdrop
Miss Julie

Miss Julie (1951)

Jun 28, 1951 1h 30m Drama Romance

Based on the play by August Strindberg, Miss Julie vividly depicts the battle of the sexes and classes that ensues when Julie, a wealthy businessman's daughter, falls for Jean, her father's bitter servant.

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Directed by Alf Sjöberg

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Alf Sjöberg
Writer
  • Alf Sjöberg
  • August Strindberg
Producer
  • Rune Waldekranz

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Miss Julie 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 Alf Sjöberg 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 1951, 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 Miss Julie took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 356 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 1126 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1951, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Miss Julie 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 Day the Mountain Cried, which focuses more on action than character development, Miss Julie subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Brief Encounter and Love Story explore similar territory, Miss Julie stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 28, 1951
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

Where to Watch

Criterion Channel