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The Razor's Edge

The Razor's Edge (1985)

Jan 02, 1985 1h 30m Drama

Samar, a child of the war, finds relief from the chaos around her through Egyptian movies she watches on television. Karim, an artist in retreat from life, remains in his apartment in war-torn West Beirut, confident that he is safe in his familiar neighborhood. An unlikely bond is formed between the two as they face the devastating civil war.

Directed by Jocelyne Saab

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jocelyne Saab
Writer
  • Gérard Brach
Producer
  • Jocelyne Saab

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Razor's Edge 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 Jocelyne Saab 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 1985, 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 Razor's Edge took approximately 18 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 118 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
  • The costume department created over 137 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1985, when this film was released:
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Seven Women, Seven Sins, which focuses more on action than character development, The Razor's Edge subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Wonderers and Firefly explore similar territory, The Razor's Edge stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: January 2, 1985
  • Runtime: 1h 30m