Cast
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Laurent Terzieff
as William Prospero
Aurelle Doazan
as Arielle
Jean-Pierre Léaud
as Inspector Neveu
Claude Brasseur
as Emile Chenal
Johnny Hallyday
as Jim Fox Warner
Nathalie Baye
as Françoise Chenal
Alain Cuny
as Old Mafioso
Emmanuelle Seigner
as Princess of the Bahamas
Julie Delpy
as Wise Young Girl
Ann-Gisel Glass
as Anne
Xavier Saint-Macary
as Accountant
Pierre Bertin
as Young Son
Alexandra Garijo
as Young Daughter
Stéphane Ferrara
as Tiger Jones
Eugène Berthier
as Old Manager
Crew
Director
- Jean-Luc Godard
Producer
- Alain Sarde
- Christine Gozlan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Detective 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 Jean-Luc Godard 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 1985, 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 Detective took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 412 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- 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 Detective shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Four Rooms, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Detective subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dancer in the Dark and The Big Black Sow explore similar territory, Detective 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: August 23, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 35m
