Cast
View All
Françoise Arnoul
as Mathilde
Catherine Deneuve
as Catherine
Michel Auclair
as Michel
Françoise Brion
as Eléonore
Jean-Pierre Aumont
as Jean-Pierre
Jean-Marc Bory
as Jean-Marc
Françoise Prévost
as Françoise
Jacques Doniol-Valcroze
as Jacques
Daniel Gélin
as Daniel
Michèle Girardon
as Geneviève
Barbara Laage
as Barbara
Pierre Vaneck
as Pierre
Bernhard Wicki
as Bernard
Crew
Director
- Pierre Kast
Writer
- Pierre Kast
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Portuguese Vacation 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 Pierre Kast 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 1963, 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 Portuguese Vacation took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 274 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1963, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: October 9, 1963
- Runtime: 1h 37m