Backdrop preview The Halfback of Notre Dame backdrop
The Halfback of Notre Dame

The Halfback of Notre Dame (1996)

Jan 21, 1996 1h 33m TV Movie Drama Romance

A high school halfback must choose between the gridiron dreams of his football coach father, and his own dream of becoming a musician.

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Directed by René Bonnière

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • René Bonnière
Writer
  • Richard Clark
  • J. Michael McClary
  • Mark Trafficante
  • Larry Sugar
Producer
  • Larry Sugar

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Halfback of Notre Dame 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 René Bonnière 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 1996, 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 Halfback of Notre Dame took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 1504 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1996, when this film was released:
  • The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Carrie, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Halfback of Notre Dame subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Wave and Farlig kurva explore similar territory, The Halfback of Notre Dame 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: January 21, 1996
  • Runtime: 1h 33m

Where to Watch

fuboTV
Cineverse
UP Faith & Family Apple TV Channel
UP Faith & Family Amazon Channel

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