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Wanted: Perfect Mother

Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970)

Jun 14, 1970 2h 8m Romance Comedy Drama

It tells of a couple, Dante and Elsa who hires a new governess, Carla to care for their four children. The governess quickly establishes rapport with the children and the husband creating rumors of an affair. Before things could go wrong, Carla decides to leave. Elsa dies in a car accident and the widower decides to marry again and getting a new mother to his children. Carla is the popular one among several choices, but the head servant poisons the minds of the children against her.

Directed by Lino Brocka

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Lino Brocka

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Wanted: Perfect Mother 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 Lino Brocka 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 1970, 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 Wanted: Perfect Mother took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 128 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 177 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 352 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 1232 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1970, 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 Wanted: Perfect Mother shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike A Picture of You, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Wanted: Perfect Mother subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Shrink and Blithe Spirit explore similar territory, Wanted: Perfect Mother 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: June 14, 1970
  • Runtime: 2h 8m

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