Cast
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Sirpa Lane
as Romilda de l'Esperance
Lisbeth Hummel
as Lucy Broadhurst
Elisabeth Kaza
as Virginia Broadhurst
Pierre Benedetti
as Mathurin de l'Esperance
Guy Tréjan
as Marquis Pierre de l'Esperance
Roland Armontel
as Priest
Marcel Dalio
as Duc Rammendelo
Robert Capia
as Roberto
Pascale Rivault
as Clarisse De l'Esperance
Hassane Fall
as Ifany
Anna Baldaccini
as Théodore
Thierry Bourdon
as Modeste
Marie Testanière
as Marie
Stéphane Testanière
as Stéphane
Jean Martinelli
as Cardinal Joseph de Balo
Crew
Director
- Walerian Borowczyk
Writer
- Walerian Borowczyk
Producer
- Anatole Dauman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Fantasy/Horror/Romance film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Beast presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Walerian Borowczyk 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 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 The Beast took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 154 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 69 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1975, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- 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 The Beast shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Off-Piste, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Beast offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Human Nature and 36 Fillette explore similar territory, The Beast 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: August 20, 1975
- Runtime: 1h 38m
