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Seventh Heaven

Seventh Heaven (1958)

Mar 05, 1958 1h 47m Mystery Comedy

"Le septième ciel" became Raymond Bernard's last film; a black comedy about a female brewery owner who donates vast amounts of money to charitable causes. The funds to do this, she raises through her liaisons with wealthy gentlemen... who just "happen" to end up dead!

Directed by Raymond Bernard

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Raymond Bernard
Writer
  • Raymond Bernard
  • Jean Bernard-Luc
Producer
  • Henry Deutschmeister

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Thematic Analysis

Seventh Heaven represents a fascinating example of Mystery/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Raymond Bernard 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1958, 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 Seventh Heaven took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1519 individual shots.
  • The costume department created over 319 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1958, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Late Autumn, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Seventh Heaven subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Flower and Sword and Richard Pryor: Live in Concert explore similar territory, Seventh Heaven 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: March 5, 1958
  • Runtime: 1h 47m

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