Cast
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José van Dam
as Joachim Dallayrac
Anne Roussel
as Sophie Maurier
Philippe Volter
as Jean Nilson
Sylvie Fennec
as Estelle Fischer
Patrick Bauchau
as Prince Scotti
Johan Leysen
as François Manssaux
Marc Schreiber
as Arcas
Alain Carre
as Attendant
David Ashman
as English Critic
Bob Bender
as English Critic
Jonathan Fox
as English Critic
Jeannette Bakker
as Diva
Philippe Drecq
as Dandy
Jean Gerardy
as Old Man
Yvette Merlin
as Louise
Crew
Director
- Gérard Corbiau
Writer
- Andrée Corbiau
- Christian Watton
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Music Teacher 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 Gérard Corbiau 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 1988, 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 Music Teacher took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1866 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Music Teacher shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Porgy and Bess, which focuses more on action than character development, The Music Teacher offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Gucha! and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert explore similar territory, The Music Teacher 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: August 1, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Revenue: $1,086,894
