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The Long Island Four

The Long Island Four (1980)

Dec 23, 1980 1h 20m Drama

Based on the true story of four Nazi saboteurs who infiltrated the US in 1942 and were quickly caught and executed, this 80-minute ode to America's irresistibly corruptive allure was the only underground feature by writer-director Anders Grafstrom. A Swedish art director who relocated to NYC, he created this grandiose No-Wave, Super-8 color-epic at the age of 23, only to die in a Mexican car accident a few months after completing the film.

Directed by Anders Grafstrom

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Anders Grafstrom
Writer
  • Anders Grafstrom
Producer
  • Anders Grafstrom

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Long Island Four 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 Anders Grafstrom 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 1980, 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 Long Island Four took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
  • The costume department created over 463 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1980, when this film was released:
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: December 23, 1980
  • Runtime: 1h 20m

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