Cast
View All
Audrey Tautou
as Mathilde
Gaspard Ulliel
as Manech
Dominique Pinon
as Sylvain
Chantal Neuwirth
as Bénédicte
André Dussollier
as Pierre-Marie Rouvières
Ticky Holgado
as Germain Pire
Marion Cotillard
as Tina Lombardi
Dominique Bettenfeld
as Ange Bassignano
Jodie Foster
as Elodie Gordes
Jean-Pierre Darroussin
as Benjamin Gordes
Denis Lavant
as Six-Soux
Rufus
as Breton
Jérôme Kircher
as Bastoche
Albert Dupontel
as Célestin Poux
Elina Löwensohn
as Günther's Sister
Crew
Director
- Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Producer
- Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Very Long Engagement examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet 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 2004, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Very Long Engagement took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $47.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 133 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Very Long Engagement shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike City of Men, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Very Long Engagement subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Absurdistan and Brothers explore similar territory, A Very Long Engagement 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: October 27, 2004
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Budget: $47,000,000
