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A Day Longer Than Night

A Day Longer Than Night (1983)

Dec 11, 1983 2h 18m Drama Romance Music

This somber story of love lost forever is set against the backdrop of the changes that Communism brought to the state of Georgia in the former USSR after the 1917 Revolution. Eva and Archil are deeply in love and they pledge to be with each other always. After they marry, Archil dies suddenly and Eva is left alone and childless. Along comes the ruthless Spiridon who romances Eva and marries her - though his cold and cruel spirit break Eva's naturally buoyant self, until she sullenly eats alone, and avoids intimacy with her husband as much as possible. They adopt a daughter, who does not take sides between her glum mother and silent father. When the Communist cadres enter their village to promote the ideals of the October revolution, Eva starts to warm to her husband a little because he joins in that movement. Then her husband commits the fatal error of revealing a previous crime - an error that will later cause their grown daughter to question her parents' strange behavior.

Directed by Lana Gogoberidze

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Lana Gogoberidze
Writer
  • Zaira Arsenishvili
  • Lana Gogoberidze

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, A Day Longer Than Night 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 Lana Gogoberidze 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 1983, 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 A Day Longer Than Night took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 138 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 189 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 79 unique compositions.
  • The film contains approximately 960 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1983, when this film was released:
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While A Day Longer Than Night shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Bend It Like Beckham, which focuses more on action than character development, A Day Longer Than Night subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like 36 Fillette and Monsoon Wedding explore similar territory, A Day Longer Than Night 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: December 11, 1983
  • Runtime: 2h 18m

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