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Stop the World: I Want to Get Off

Stop the World: I Want to Get Off (1966)

Apr 25, 1966 1h 40m Music

The Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse London and Broadway musical hit Stop the World, I Want to Get Off is given literal treatment in this filmization. Newley stars as Littlechap, whose allegorical rise to success is countered by the instability of his private life. Like the play, the film is staged impressionistically, with Newley decked out in mime makeup and periodically stopping the action to address the audience, and with all the women in his life -- German, American and "Typically English" -- played by a single actress (Millicent Martin, taking over from the stage version's Anna Quayle). In Wizard of Oz fashion, the play itself is lensed in color, while the brief prologue, showing the actors preparing for their performance, is in black-and-white. The production includes such standards (and perennial audition pieces) as What Kind of Fool Am I? and Gonna Build a Mountain.

Directed by Philip Saville

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Philip Saville
Writer
  • Leslie Bricusse
  • Anthony Newley

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Thematic Analysis

Stop the World: I Want to Get Off represents a fascinating example of Music 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 Philip Saville 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 1966, 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 Stop the World: I Want to Get Off took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 341 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1966, when this film was released:
  • The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Stop the World: I Want to Get Off 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 Metropolitan Opera: Turandot, which focuses more on action than character development, Stop the World: I Want to Get Off offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Brigadoon and Paradise, Hawaiian Style explore similar territory, Stop the World: I Want to Get Off 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: April 25, 1966
  • Runtime: 1h 40m