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Fever

Fever (2014)

Feb 11, 2014 1h 20m Drama

It’s the early 1950s and little Franzi is growing up in the small Austrian town of Judenburg. Her oppressive family home is dominated by her feverish and mentally ill father, who is rigid and unpredictable. Her father, who regularly delivers halves of pork for the butcher, spent several years in the French Foreign Legion in Morocco, Algeria and Syria – a period which he partly glorifies but which still also haunts him. Franzi immerses herself in this world by looking at an abundance of beguiling yet disturbing photographs taken at the time by her father. Her own childish fantasy realm of fairy tales and picture books soon intermingle with nightmares as reality merges with imagination, war, horror and beauty.

Directed by Elfi Mikesch

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Elfi Mikesch
Writer
  • Elfi Mikesch

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Fever 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 Elfi Mikesch 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 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 Fever took approximately 36 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 122 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 322 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2014, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Strange Days, which focuses more on action than character development, Fever subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Desert Hearts and Beyond Silence explore similar territory, Fever stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: February 11, 2014
  • Runtime: 1h 20m

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