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Confused Feelings

Confused Feelings (1981)

Jun 10, 1981 1h 30m Drama

It is the story of a middle age professor who falls deaply in love with a young student in his English literature class. The student is a boarder in the teacher's house. The teacher is married and his wife knows he is mostly attracted to young men. She loves him nevertheless. The whole story revolves around a book the professor will write, dictating to his young pupil... he will only declare his love at the end of the writing ...and, it is too late.

Directed by Étienne Périer

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Étienne Périer
Writer
  • Étienne Périer
  • Dominique Fabre
Producer
  • Christine Gouze-Rénal

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Confused Feelings 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 Étienne Périer 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 1981, 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 Confused Feelings took approximately 33 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 125 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The musical score contains over 67 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1981, 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

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

Unlike The Male Gaze: The Heat of the Night, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Confused Feelings subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Cherry-Red and According to Mateo explore similar territory, Confused Feelings stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: June 10, 1981
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

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