Cast
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Richard Burton
as Leon Trotsky
Alain Delon
as Frank Jackson
Romy Schneider
as Gita Samuels
Valentina Cortese
as Natalia Trotsky
Duilio Del Prete
as Felipe
Enrico Maria Salerno
as Salazar
Luigi Vannucchi
as Ruiz
Jean Desailly
as Alfred Rosmer
Simone Valère
as Marguerite Rosmer
Peter Chatel
as Otto
Giorgio Albertazzi
as
Carlos Miranda
as Sheldon Harte
Claudio Brook
as Roberto (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Joseph Losey
Producer
- Norman Priggen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Assassination of Trotsky 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 Joseph Losey 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 Assassination of Trotsky took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.5 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1086 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 41 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Assassination of Trotsky shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Harmonists, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Assassination of Trotsky subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Eren: A Boy's Valor and Infamous explore similar territory, The Assassination of Trotsky 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: April 20, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $2,500,000
