Cast
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Jean-Louis Trintignant
as Jan Robin / Boris Varissa
Sylvie Bréal
as Maria
Zuzana Kocúriková
as Laura
Dominique Prado
as Lisa the Barmaid
Catherine Robbe-Grillet
as Druggist
Sylvia Turbová
as Sylvia
Ivan Mistrík
as Jean
Dušan Blaškovič
as Taverner
Jozef Kroner
as Franz
Jozef Čierny
as Father
Július Vašek
as Vladimir
Crew
Director
- Alain Robbe-Grillet
Writer
- Alain Robbe-Grillet
Producer
- Samy Halfon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Man Who Lies 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 Alain Robbe-Grillet 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 1968, 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 Man Who Lies took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 68 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1968, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Man Who Lies shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Heroes of Telemark, which focuses more on action than character development, The Man Who Lies subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Inglourious Basterds and Truman explore similar territory, The Man Who Lies 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: March 27, 1968
- Runtime: 1h 37m
