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The Mob

The Mob (1975)

Feb 27, 1975 1h 26m Crime Drama

Seasoned drug smuggler and thief François “Chico” Tremblay is tired of his modest lifestyle. Given the opportunity to earn $50,000 killing a prominent New York City gangster, he leaps at the opportunity, ignoring the warnings of Montreal’s leading mob boss, who has forbidden local criminals from taking the assignment. Upon his return, Chico discovers he is being pursued from all sides, prompting an unlikely response: he calls a local talk radio show and starts revealing the mafia’s most carefully guarded secrets. As his revelations get more shocking, so do the tactics of his adversaries, culminating in a devastating gut punch of a finale.

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Directed by Jacques Godbout

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jacques Godbout
Writer
  • Jean-Marie Poupart
  • Jacques Godbout
Producer
  • Marc Beaudet

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Mob 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 Jacques Godbout 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 1975, 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 Mob took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1975, 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 Mob shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Spoor, which focuses more on action than character development, The Mob offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Oldboy and The Silence of the Lambs explore similar territory, The Mob 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: February 27, 1975
  • Runtime: 1h 26m

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