Cast
View All
Salvatore Ficarra
as Salvo
Valentino Picone
as Valentino
Massimo Popolizio
as Erode
Roberta Mattei
as Rebecca
Massimo Cagnina
as
Giovanni Calcagno
as
Giacomo Mattia
as Isacco
Azelarab El Kaughat
as
Giovanna Marchetti
as Sara
Mauro Spitaleri
as
Adil Abatourab
as cugino Giusepp
Yassine Ahajjam
as San Giuseppe Vero
Grace Ambrose
as giovane sposa
Teresa Del Vecchio
as Perpetua
Giovanni Federico
as Giovanni Federico
Crew
Director
- Salvatore Ficarra
- Valentino Picone
Producer
- Attilio De Razza
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Salvatore Ficarra 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, 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 Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1800 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Constantine, which focuses more on action than character development, Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Book of Clarence and The Tree of Life explore similar territory, Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem 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: December 12, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $6,000,000
