Cast
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Jacques Perrin
as Sten. Giovanni Drogo
Vittorio Gassman
as Filimore
Giuliano Gemma
as Mattis
Helmut Griem
as Lieutenant Simeon
Philippe Noiret
as General
Francisco Rabal
as M.llo Tronk
Fernando Rey
as Nathanson
Laurent Terzieff
as Ten. Pietro Von Hamerling
Max von Sydow
as Cap. Ortiz
Jean-Louis Trintignant
as Magg. Med. Rovine
Shaban Golchin Honaz
as soldato Lazare
Giuseppe Pambieri
as Ten. Rathenau
Bryan Rostron
as
Kamran Nozad
as
Manfred Freyberger
as caporale
Crew
Director
- Valerio Zurlini
Producer
- Jacques Perrin
- Giorgio Silvagni
- Bahman Farmanara
- Michelle de Broca
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Desert of the Tartars 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 Valerio Zurlini 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 1976, 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 Desert of the Tartars took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 140 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 44 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1976, 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 Desert of the Tartars shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Elmer Gantry, which focuses more on action than character development, The Desert of the Tartars subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Border and Obsession explore similar territory, The Desert of the Tartars 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: October 29, 1976
- Runtime: 2h 20m
