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The Girl's Dead, Man

The Girl's Dead, Man (1974)

A young couple discover an ancient book in the attic and start reading the story of the Malemort family: a sombre household set in the nineteenth century in rural France. The old man Deroze plays his violin and tries to seduce the maid. His elder daughter Maxime "qui tue les mouches et deguste en cachette des fruits juteux". Underneath her bourgeois facade her senses are not yet put to rest. There is the rest of this upstairs/downstairs family who is visited by a sea captain who learns of a hidden treasure The storyline of this adult fairy tale is less important than the cinematography and the lyric fairy tale atmosphere that surrounds this movie. A little masterpiece still to be rediscovered.

Directed by Daniel Daërt

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Daniel Daërt
Writer
  • Jacques Valois
  • Daniel Daërt
Producer
  • rene levy-balenci
  • Daniel Daërt

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Thematic Analysis

This Adventure/Fantasy/Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Girl's Dead, Man presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Daniel Daërt 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 1974, 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 Girl's Dead, Man took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1974, when this film was released:
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Funky Forest: The First Contact, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Girl's Dead, Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Kiki's Delivery Service and The Science of Sleep explore similar territory, The Girl's Dead, Man 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: January 16, 1974
  • Runtime: 1h 30m