Cast
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Crew
Director
- Ping Chong
Producer
- Susan Dowling
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Turtle Dreams represents a fascinating example of Music/TV Movie 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 Ping Chong 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 1983, 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 Turtle Dreams took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 28 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 72 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Turtle Dreams shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike My Next Step, which focuses more on action than character development, Turtle Dreams offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Appalachian Spring and Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man explore similar territory, Turtle Dreams stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: September 2, 1983
- Runtime: 28m
