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The Cousin

The Cousin (1974)

Jul 26, 1974 1h 30m Comedy Drama

Italian coming of age story about two cousins, Enzo and Agata, told in three stages.

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Directed by Aldo Lado

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Aldo Lado
Writer
  • Ercole Patti
  • Massimo Franciosa

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Cousin 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 Aldo Lado 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 1974, 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 Cousin took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1711 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1974, when this film was released:
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Ants in the Pants, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Cousin subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Sweater Girls and Swinging Wives explore similar territory, The Cousin 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: July 26, 1974
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

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