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Bethune

Bethune (1977)

Jan 01, 1977 1h 28m TV Movie Drama

Based on the true story of Canadian doctor Norman Bethune, this film traces his life from his beginnings with his deeply religious family in Ontario, through his medical studies in school, where he developed his overwhelming compassion for those less fortunate, and his driving desire to see that they get the medical attention they need. Most of his life after college was spent either working in war zones around Europe or developing new treatment techniques in his home country.

Directed by Eric Till

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Eric Till
Writer
  • Thomas Rickman
Producer
  • Duncan Lamb
  • Robert Sherrin

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Bethune 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 Eric Till 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 1977, 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 Bethune took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1977, when this film was released:
  • Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
  • 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 Bethune 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 Happy Prince, which focuses more on action than character development, Bethune subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Sophia Loren: Her Own Story and Raging Bull explore similar territory, Bethune 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: January 1, 1977
  • Runtime: 1h 28m

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