Cast
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Crew
Director
- Desmond Davis
Writer
- Desmond Davis
Producer
- Roy Millichip
Reviews
Peter McGinn
To me it felt like the movie I Was Happy Here is an art film, long before Indie movies became a thing. Also known as Time Lost and TIme Remembered, an artsy-fartsy title if I ever saw one, it is mostly about mood, memory and scenery. The dialogue is blunt and realistic at times, but dreamy and wistful at other moments, and it seems nearly every character gets to say something poetic and deep before the movie is done, our melancholic lead character more than anyone.
Considering how often she waxed poetically about loving the place she came from, I was never quite sure why she left to go to London at all. She seems to have expected her boyfriend to follow her, but perhaps neglected to let him know that. There she was forced by her own inertia to marry a man she apparently never loved. I would have liked her a lot more if she was less of a victim until the final fifteen minutes of the movie. Perhaps that was the character growth you like to see in characters, though usually it happens more gradually. Come to that her husband, who was a bit of a jerk throughout, showed growth in character himself at the end.
So it isn’t a movie I will watch again, but it was fine. If you like nostalgic atmosphere and coastal scenery, this film is dripping with both.
Aug 3, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, I Was Happy Here 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 Desmond Davis 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 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 I Was Happy Here took approximately 22 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 126 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2377 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1966, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: April 1, 1966
- Runtime: 1h 31m