Backdrop preview Alone backdrop
Alone

Alone (1999)

Mar 05, 1999 1h 41m Drama

Maria, whose parents live in the country, cannot stand her father's authoritarian ways and moves to the city. She finds a job as a cleaner and tries to survive in a wretched apartment in the shabby part of a big city. She is pregnant, and the fact that her boyfriend has abandoned her does not help matters. When her father goes to the hospital for an operation, her mother comes to stay with her. Her neighbor, an old recluse whose only friend is his dog, begins to come out of his shell and these three lost souls try to give each other the strength to start over.

Directed by Benito Zambrano

Cast

María Galiana
María Galiana

Madre

Ana Fernández
Ana Fernández

María

Carlos Álvarez-Nóvoa
Carlos Álvarez-Nóvoa

Vecino

Juan Fernández
Juan Fernández

Juan

Antonio Dechent
Antonio Dechent

Medico

Miguel Alcíbar
Miguel Alcíbar

El gordo

Concha Galán
Concha Galán

Limpiadora

Paco Tous
Paco Tous

Socio de Juan

José Manuel Seda
José Manuel Seda

Vigilante

Sebastián Haro
Sebastián Haro

Enfermo

Gloria de Jesús

Madre autobus

María Alfonsa Rosso
María Alfonsa Rosso

Vieja del carro

Rosario Pardo
Rosario Pardo

Asistente social

Mariana Cordero
Mariana Cordero

Mujer Centro Social

José Chaves
José Chaves

(uncredited)

Crew

Director
  • Benito Zambrano
Writer
  • Benito Zambrano
Producer
  • Antonio P. Pérez

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Alone 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 Benito Zambrano 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 1999, 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 Alone took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1999, when this film was released:
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Alone shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Ten Commandments, which focuses more on action than character development, Alone offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Death Wish 3 and The Guys explore similar territory, Alone stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: March 5, 1999
  • Runtime: 1h 41m
  • Revenue: $277,035

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