Cast
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Crew
Director
- Gina Leibrecht
- Les Blank
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy represents a fascinating example of Documentary 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 Gina Leibrecht 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 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 65 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 422 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1829 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Jesus Camp and Halftime explore similar territory, How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy 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: August 31, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 5m
Where to Watch
