Cast
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Albert Préjean
as The French soldier
Thomy Bourdelle
as The German officer
Jeanne Marie-Laurent
as The mother
Suzanne Bianchetti
as The wife
Hans Brausewetter
as The German soldier
Maurice Schutz
as Marshal of the Empire
Pierre Nay
as The boy
Jean Dehelly
as The young man
Daniel Mendaille
as The husband
Antonin Artaud
as The intellectual
André Nox
as The chaplain
José Davert
as The farmer
Berthe Jalabert
as
Paul Amiot
as
Henri Delannoy
as
Crew
Director
- Léon Poirier
Writer
- Léon Poirier
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Verdun: Visions of History 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 Léon 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 1928, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Verdun: Visions of History took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 151 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 174 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 10 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1928, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Verdun: Visions of History shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike All Quiet on the Western Front, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Verdun: Visions of History subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Somme and The Raider Emden explore similar territory, Verdun: Visions of History stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: November 8, 1928
- Runtime: 2h 31m
