Backdrop preview The Concert backdrop
The Concert

The Concert (1954)

May 04, 1954 1h 36m War Drama Music

Celebrating the end of World War II and liberation of their city, a group of students is set on holding a cultural evening. They invite Ema, a reclusive piano teacher from the same building, to play for them. Ema declines, but starts reminscing back on her own life and the historical events that have seemingly overshadowed it.

Directed by Branko Belan

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Branko Belan
Writer
  • Vladan Desnica

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Concert 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 Branko Belan 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 1954, 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 Concert took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1692 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1954, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Phoenix, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Concert offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like German Concentration Camps Factual Survey and A Good Lad explore similar territory, The Concert stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: May 4, 1954
  • Runtime: 1h 36m

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