Cast
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Petar Božović
as Nikola Tesla
Orson Welles
as J.P. Morgan
Oja Kodar
as Catherine Johnson
Strother Martin
as George Westinghouse
Dennis Patrick
as Thomas Alva Edison
Charles Millot
as Adams
Boris Buzančić
as Robert Johnson
Ana Karić
as Đuka Mandić
Edo Peročević
as Kolman Czito
Zvonko Strmac
as
Lojze Rozman
as
Igor Galo
as Guglielmo Marconi
Vanja Drach
as Mark Twain
Marijan Lovrić
as Milutin Tesla
Petar Dobrić
as
Crew
Director
- Krsto Papić
Writer
- Krsto Papić
- Ivo Brešan
- Ivan Kušan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Secret Life of Nikola Tesla 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 Krsto Papić 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 1980, 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 Secret Life of Nikola Tesla took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 880 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Secret Life of Nikola Tesla 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 focuses more on action than character development, The Secret Life of Nikola Tesla subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Eren: A Boy's Valor and Infamous explore similar territory, The Secret Life of Nikola Tesla 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 19, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 55m
