Cast
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Mimi Chakib
as زهيرة حلمى
Mohsen Sarhan
as أحمد علوي
Raoheya Khaled
as راوية
Ferdoos Mohamed
as خديجة - والدة أحمد
Thuraya Helmy
as ميمي
Fouad Shafiq
as سليمان بك - عشيق زهيرة الغنى
Mansi Fahmy
as علي علوي - والد أحمد
Anwar Wagdi
as محمود الشيمي - صديق أحمد
Abdel Fattah ElQosari
as المعلم دسوقي - القهوجى
Abdel Meguid Shukry
as المحامى عبدالقادر الشرقاوي
Yahya Najati
as مدير مجلة العصر
Mostafa El Gazzar
as القاضي
Mohamed Ibrahim
as سيد المنياوي
Fouad Fahim
as الساكن
Edmond Tuima
as ادهم بك
Crew
Director
- Ahmad Badrakhan
Writer
- Mahmoud Kamal Hassan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Life of Darkness 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 Ahmad Badrakhan 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 1940, 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 Life of Darkness took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2068 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1940, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Life of Darkness shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Beauty and the Beast, which focuses more on action than character development, The Life of Darkness subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like On the Waterfront and Pickpocket explore similar territory, The Life of Darkness stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: March 1, 1940
- Runtime: 1h 34m
