Cast
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Matt Smith
as Christopher Isherwood
Imogen Poots
as Jean Ross
Lindsay Duncan
as Kathleen Isherwood
Perry Milward
as Richard Isherwood
Toby Jones
as Gerald Hamilton
Pip Carter
as W. H. Auden
Alexander Dreymon
as Caspar
Faolan Morgan
as Pieps
Issy van Randwyck
as Frl. Thurau
Clare Louise Connolly
as Frl. Schmidt
Maggie Hayes
as Frl. Mayr
Iddo Goldberg
as Wilfrid Landauer
Will Kemp
as Bobby Gilbert
Douglas Booth
as Heinz Neddermayer
Gertrude Thoma
as Fr. Neddermayer
Crew
Director
- Geoffrey Sax
Writer
- Kevin Elyot
Producer
- Celia Duval
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Christopher and His Kind examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Geoffrey Sax 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 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Christopher and His Kind took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 321 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Christopher and His Kind shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Judgment at Nuremberg, which focuses more on action than character development, Christopher and His Kind subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Bridge on the River Kwai and M explore similar territory, Christopher and His Kind 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 19, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
