Backdrop preview The Giraffe backdrop
The Giraffe

The Giraffe (1998)

Sep 14, 1998 1h 45m Thriller

Lena Katz, who is German, and David Fish, who is American, are Jews who live in New York. When Lena's mother, who arrives from Germany, meets her at a hotel, she finds an almost-dead woman lying on the hotel floor. She accompanies the injured woman to the hospital and meets David, who is the woman's son. After David's mother dies from the injuries, a question remains: was she murdered? The trail leads to Germany. Apparently, Lena's mother has some kind of relationship with David's mother that reaches back into the dark German history of the 1940s

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Directed by Dani Levy

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Dani Levy
Writer
  • Dani Levy

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Thematic Analysis

The Giraffe represents a fascinating example of Thriller 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 Dani Levy 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 1998, 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 Giraffe took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 309 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 1146 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1998, when this film was released:
  • The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: September 14, 1998
  • Runtime: 1h 45m

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