Cast
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Isabelle Huppert
as Héléne
Louis Garrel
as Pierre
Joana Preiss
as Réa
Emma de Caunes
as Hansi
Jean-Baptiste Montagut
as Loulou
Dominique Reymond
as Marthe
Olivier Rabourdin
as Robert
Philippe Duclos
as The Father
Pascal Tokatlian
as Klaus
Théo Hakola
as Ian
Nuno Lopes
as The Doctor
Patrick Fanik
as Eric
Susi Egetenmeier
as Woman in dunes
Sylvia Johnson
as Woman of couple
Crew
Director
- Christophe Honoré
Writer
- Christophe Honoré
Producer
- Paulo Branco
- Bernard-Henri Lévy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Ma mère examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Christophe Honoré 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 2004, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ma mère took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1782 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ma mère shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike People in the Summer Night, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ma mère subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Smilla's Sense of Snow and Nineteen Eighty-Four explore similar territory, Ma mère 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: May 19, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 50m
