Cast
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Jack Warden
as Gus
Harvey Keitel
as Jerry
Dick Van Patten
as Raymond
Estelle Parsons
as Agnes
Jerry Stiller
as Mechanic
Catherine Burns
as Patricia
J.D. Cannon
as Tom
George Grizzard
as Larry
Dan Hamilton
as Kenneth
Earl Hindman
as William
Barnard Hughes
as Jim
Tony Lo Bianco
as Frank
Kristoffer Tabori
as Bert
Donald Buka
as Mister Eagle
Tom Rosqui
as Unemployed Man
Crew
Director
- Paul Bogart
Writer
- Arthur Miller
Producer
- Jacqueline Babbin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Memory of Two Mondays 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 Paul Bogart 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 1971, 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 A Memory of Two Mondays took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 429 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1471 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1971, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Memory of Two Mondays shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike National Theatre Live: Saint Joan, which focuses more on action than character development, A Memory of Two Mondays subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Harold Pinter: A Celebration and Henry V - Live at Shakespeare's Globe explore similar territory, A Memory of Two Mondays 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 28, 1971
- Runtime: 1h 27m
