Cast
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Damián Alcázar
as La Suavecita
Pedro Altamirano
as Chilín
Martín Barraza
as Alfonso
Carlos Chávez
as Abel
Ignacio Elizarraras
as Recepcionista
Lourdes Elizarrarás
as Aurelia
Graciela Lara
as Mamá
Gonzalo Lora
as Tacotec
Jaime Ramos
as Panadero
Gabriel Retes
as Bar Owner
Alejandro Tamayo
as El Ruiseñor
Luis Felipe Tovar
as El King
Jorge Victoria
as Papá
Crew
Director
- Gabriel Retes
Writer
- Gabriel Retes
Producer
- Gabriel Retes
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Naked City 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 Gabriel Retes 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 1989, 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 Naked City took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Naked City shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Very Bad Things, which focuses more on action than character development, The Naked City subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mad Max 2 and The Accused explore similar territory, The Naked City stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 3, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 31m
