Cast
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Angelica Domröse
as Ruth Bodenheim
Ulrich Thein
as Dr. Martin
Jiří Vršťala
as Dr. Hoffmann
Martin Flörchinger
as Zwischenzahl
Antje Ruge
as Esther
Willi Schwabe
as Lion
Monika Lennartz
as Johanna
Arno Wyzniewski
as David
Stefan Lisewski
as Steve
Gisela Graupner
as Wärterin
Hans Klering
as Direktor
Norbert Petznick
as Klein David
Helmut Schreiber
as Kapitän Lieban
Siegfried Weiß
as Dr. Rotholz
Bohumil Šmída
as Dr. Schäure
Crew
Director
- Joachim Hasler
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Story of a Murder 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 Joachim Hasler 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 1965, 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 Story of a Murder took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1965, 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 The Story of a Murder shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Jeepers Creepers, which focuses more on action than character development, The Story of a Murder subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Europa Europa and Only Human explore similar territory, The Story of a Murder 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: February 25, 1965
- Runtime: 1h 35m
