Cast
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Charlayne Woodard
as Cindy
Scoey Mitchell
as Father
Mae Mercer
as Sara Hayes
Nell Carter
as Olive
Alaina Reed Hall
as Venus
Cleavant Derricks
as Michael Simpson
Clifton Davis
as Captain Joe Prince
W. Benson Terry
as Miles Archer
John Hancock
as Wilcox
Richard Stahl
as Recruiter
Noble Willingham
as Sergeant
Burke Byrnes
as Swearing-In Officer
Helen Martin
as Flower Lady
Graham Brown
as Minister
Bill Phillips Murry
as Emcee
Crew
Director
- William A. Graham
Writer
- James L. Brooks
- David Davis
- Ed. Weinberger
- Stan Daniels
Producer
- James L. Brooks
- Ed. Weinberger
- David Davis
- Stan Daniels
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Cindy 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 William A. Graham 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 1978, 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 Cindy took approximately 36 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 150 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 59 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Cindy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike G.I. Blues, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Cindy offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like King Creole and Fun in Acapulco explore similar territory, Cindy 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: March 24, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 38m
