Backdrop preview Een zondag op het eiland van de Grande Jatte backdrop
Een zondag op het eiland van de Grande Jatte

Een zondag op het eiland van de Grande Jatte (1965)

May 31, 1965 20m Drama

Seven authors observe people in a park. A sudden rain shower forces the people into a castle, where they ravage the present books. A wordless short made for the 1965 Boekenweek, an annual event in the Netherlands to promote (Dutch) literature.

Directed by Frans Weisz

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Frans Weisz
Writer
  • Anton Koolhaas

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Een zondag op het eiland van de Grande Jatte 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 Frans Weisz 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 1965, 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 Een zondag op het eiland van de Grande Jatte took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 20 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 62 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1965, when this film was released:
  • Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
  • Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Een zondag op het eiland van de Grande Jatte shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Darkened Room, which focuses more on action than character development, Een zondag op het eiland van de Grande Jatte subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like After the Ball and Page 36 explore similar territory, Een zondag op het eiland van de Grande Jatte 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: May 31, 1965
  • Runtime: 20m

Similar Movies

Darkened Room
Darkened Room
2002
5.4
After the Ball
After the Ball
1897
5.1
Page 36
Page 36
2010
Last Call
Last Call
2009
4.2