Cast
View All
William Hurt
as Varian Fry
Howard Ryshpan
as Konditerei Owner
Carol Shamy
as The Owner's Wife
Harald Winter
as First Brownshirt
Susan Almgren
as Eileen Fry
Barry Blake
as Drury
Noel Burton
as Thompson
Emma Campbell
as Clifton's Girl
Ian Finlay
as Ballroom Man 1
Alain Goulem
as Clifton
Christopher B. MacCabe
as Ballroom Man 2
Walter Massey
as Sydney
Tom Rack
as
Michael Rudder
as
Andrea Sadler
as
Crew
Director
- Lionel Chetwynd
Writer
- Lionel Chetwynd
Producer
- Micheal Deakin
- Kevin Tierney
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Varian's War 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 Lionel Chetwynd 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 2001, 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 Varian's War took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 121 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 154 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2001, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: June 14, 2001
- Runtime: 2h 1m