Backdrop preview Night Lunch backdrop
Night Lunch

Night Lunch (1975)

Dec 09, 1975 32m Music Documentary

This is Poe and Král's first effort, shot on small-gauge stock, before their more well-known endeavor The Blank Generation (1976) came to be. A "DIY" portrait of the New York music scene, the film is a patchwork of footage of numerous rock acts performing live, at venues like Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the dive bars of Greenwich Village and, of course, CBGB.

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Directed by Ivan Král

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Ivan Král
  • Amos Poe

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Thematic Analysis

Night Lunch represents a fascinating example of Music/Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Ivan Král 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1975, 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 Night Lunch took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 32 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 87 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 421 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1975, when this film was released:
  • Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Shine a Light, which focuses more on action than character development, Night Lunch offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Selva. A Portrait of Parvaneh Navaï and Local Band explore similar territory, Night Lunch 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: December 9, 1975
  • Runtime: 32m