Cast
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Veronica Hart
as Heather
Paul Thomas
as Frederick - Heather's Husband
Vanessa del Rio
as The Cook
Nicole Scent
as Margaret
Robert Kerman
as Tom - The Chauffeur
Christie Ford
as Heather's Mother
Lisa Be
as Aunt Phylis
Ron Hudd
as Officer
Felix Krull
as The Gardener
Foster Waine
as Jack
Susan Nadir
as Madam Olga
Larry Strange
as Uncle Roy
Bobbie Burton
as Man Bringing Mail
Louise Hasler
as Sister Clara
Tracy Adams
as Madeline
Crew
Director
- Bill Milling
Writer
- Anthony Vincent
Producer
- Bill Milling
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Scent of Heather 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 Bill Milling 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 1980, 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 A Scent of Heather took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Scent of Heather shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Labyrinth of Passion, which focuses more on action than character development, A Scent of Heather offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Love in Thoughts and Oldboy explore similar territory, A Scent of Heather 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: November 5, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 39m
