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Into the Darkness

Into the Darkness (2020)

Jan 09, 2020 2h 32m Drama War History

Karlskov is a self made, successful owner of a large electronics factory, has a wife and five children. They live the good, privileged upper-class life on Strandvejen north of Copenhagen when the Nazis occupy Denmark in April 1940. Karl struggles to continue production at the factory, but to protect his family and employees he reluctantly begins to produce for the German market. It brings him into a controversial collaboration with the occupying power and causes painful breaks in the family.

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Directed by Anders Refn

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Anders Refn
Writer
  • Flemming Quist Møller
  • Anders Refn
Producer
  • Lene Børglum

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Into the Darkness 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 Anders Refn 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 2020, 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 Into the Darkness took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 152 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 179 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 847 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 124 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Into the 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 A Walk in the Clouds, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Into the Darkness subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Stella. A Life. and Operation Petticoat explore similar territory, Into the Darkness stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: January 9, 2020
  • Runtime: 2h 32m

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