Cast
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Felicity Kendal
as The Narrator
Ralph Fiennes
as Marcel Proust
Phyllida Law
as Virginia Woolf
Donald Sinden
as Duc d'Albufera
Phelim Drew
as James Joyce
Richard Blackford
as Gabriel de La Rochefoucauld
Lily Bevan
as Celeste Albaret
Katherine Porter
as Anna de Noailles
Alain de Botton
as Self
Louis de Bernières
as Self
Doris Lessing
as Self
Pierre Rosenberg
as Self
Crew
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
How Proust Can Change Your Life represents a fascinating example of Documentary 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.
Released in 2000, 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 How Proust Can Change Your Life took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 58 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2459 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 63 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2000, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While How Proust Can Change Your Life shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Touching the Void, which focuses more on action than character development, How Proust Can Change Your Life offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Bukowski: The Last Straw and A Life Too Short: The Isabella Nardoni Case explore similar territory, How Proust Can Change Your Life 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: March 19, 2000
- Runtime: 58m
