Cast
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Leszek Teleszyński
as Michał
Małgorzata Braunek
as Marta
Jan Nowicki
as Jan
Jerzy Goliński
as Michał's Father
Anna Milewska
as Sister Klara
Michał Grudziński
as Marian
Marek Walczewski
as Rozenkranc
Hanna Stankówna
as Lice Breeder
Alicja Jachiewicz
as The Waitress
Leszek Długosz
as Blind Man
Jadwiga Halina Gallowa
as Rozenkrac's Mother
Halina Czengery
as Michał's Mother
Grażyna Barszczewska
as Lab Technician
Ewa Ciepiela
as Lice Feeder
Janina Ordężanka
as Olek's Mother
Crew
Director
- Andrzej Żuławski
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This War/Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Third Part of the Night presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Andrzej Żuławski 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 1972, 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 Third Part of the Night took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Third Part of the Night shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Five Came Back, which focuses more on action than character development, The Third Part of the Night subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hrdinové mlčí and Malá historie explore similar territory, The Third Part of the Night stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: January 4, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 47m
