Cast
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Jean Marais
as Fantômas / Fandor / Lord Shelton / Vieux gardien de la prison
Louis de Funès
as Commissaire Juve
Mylène Demongeot
as Hélène
Jacques Dynam
as Inspecteur Bertrand
Robert Dalban
as Directeur du journal
Marie-Hélène Arnaud
as Lady Beltham
Anne-Marie Peysson
as La speakrine
Christian Toma
as Inspecteur Pierre
Michel Duplaix
as Inspecteur Léon
Andrée Tainsy
as Habilleuse
Hugues Wanner
as M. Royer
Henri Attal
as Homme de main de Fantômas
Jacques Berger
as Directeur de casino
Pierre Collet
as Agent qui arrête le commissaire Juve
Henri Guégan
as
Crew
Director
- André Hunebelle
Producer
- André Hunebelle
- Paul Cadéac
- Luciano Ercoli
- Cyril Grize
- Alain Poiré
- Alberto Pugliese
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Fantomas represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Crime/Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director André Hunebelle 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1964, 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 Fantomas took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 68 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1964, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Fantomas shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Breathless, which focuses more on action than character development, Fantomas offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Ocean's Thirteen and Ocean's Eleven explore similar territory, Fantomas 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: November 4, 1964
- Runtime: 1h 44m
