Cast
View All
Gina Lollobrigida
as Marietta
Pierre Brasseur
as Don Cesare
Marcello Mastroianni
as Enrico Tosso
Melina Mercouri
as Donna Lucrezia
Yves Montand
as Matteo Brigante
Raf Mattioli
as Francesco Brigante
Vittorio Caprioli
as Attilio
Lidia Alfonsi
as Giuseppina
Nino Vingelli
as Pizzaccio
Bruno Carotenuto
as Balbo
Paolo Stoppa
as Tonio
Luisa Rivelli
as Elvira
Anna Arena
as Anna - la moglie d'Attilio
Gianrico Tedeschi
as
Anna Maria Bottini
as Maria
Crew
Director
- Jules Dassin
Producer
- Jacques Bar
- Maleno Malenotti
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Law 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 Jules Dassin 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 1959, 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 Law took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 479 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1959, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Law shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike American Beauty, which focuses more on action than character development, The Law subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead and Summer in Berlin explore similar territory, The Law 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: January 25, 1959
- Runtime: 1h 50m
Where to Watch
