Cast
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Erich von Stroheim
as Diijon
Jeanne Bates
as Victoria
William Wright
as Tony Holiday
Denise Vernac
as Denise
Edward Van Sloan
as Sheffield
Hope Landin
as Mrs. McGaffey
Mauritz Hugo
as Danton
Shimen Ruskin
as Guzzo
Antonio Filauri
as Alex
George Chandler
as Diner Counterman (Uncredited)
Roy Darmour
as Mark Lindsay (Uncredited)
Robert Malcolm
as Fleming (Uncredited)
Anthony Warde
as Hold-Up Man (Uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Lew Landers
Producer
- Max Alexander
- Alfred Stern
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Mask of Diijon 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 Lew Landers 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 1946, 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 Mask of Diijon took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 73 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2388 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1946, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Mask of Diijon 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 Friends of Eddie Coyle, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Mask of Diijon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Return to Sender and After Dark, My Sweet explore similar territory, The Mask of Diijon 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: March 11, 1946
- Runtime: 1h 13m
