Cast
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Wayne Maunder
as Mike Barrett
Marianne McAndrew
as Maggie Russell
Philip Carey
as Elmo Duncan
Jay C. Flippen
as Luther Yerkes
Edy Williams
as Faye Osborn
Yvonne De Carlo
as Constance Cumberland
John Carradine
as Sean O'Flanagan
Harold J. Stone
as Judge Upshaw
Tom Selleck
as Phil Sanford
Stanley Adams
as Irwin Blair
Yvonne D'Angers
as Sheri Moore
Jan Shutan
as Anna Lou White
Alexander D'Arcy
as Christian Leroux
Berry Kroeger
as Paul Van Fleet
Charles Napier
as Officer Iverson
Crew
Director
- Russ Meyer
Producer
- Russ Meyer
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Seven Minutes 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 Russ Meyer 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 1971, 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 Seven Minutes took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 109 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1971, 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 Seven Minutes shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Afterwards, which focuses more on action than character development, The Seven Minutes offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Nowhere and The Devil's Advocate explore similar territory, The Seven Minutes stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 23, 1971
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Budget: $2,415,000
