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The Duke of Burgundy

The Duke of Burgundy (2014)

Oct 18, 2014 1h 44m Drama Mystery Romance

Day in and day out, lovers Cynthia and Evelyn enact an elaborate sadomasochistic fantasy as mistress and maid. But as their ritual of domination and submission begins to turn stale, Cynthia yearns for something more conventional, while Evelyn tries to push their taboos even further.

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Directed by Peter Strickland

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Peter Strickland
Writer
  • Peter Strickland
Producer
  • Andrew Starke

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Duke of Burgundy examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Peter Strickland 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 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Duke of Burgundy took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $1.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2014, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Duke of Burgundy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Desert Hearts, which focuses more on action than character development, The Duke of Burgundy offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Fire and Videodrome explore similar territory, The Duke of Burgundy stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: October 18, 2014
  • Runtime: 1h 44m
  • Budget: $1,000,000

Where to Watch

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MUBI
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IFC Films Unlimited Apple TV Channel

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