Cast
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Stuart Whitman
as Capt. Tony Saitta
John Saxon
as Sgt. Ned Matthews
Martin Landau
as Dr. George Tracer
Tisa Farrow
as Julie Foster
Carole Laure
as Louise Saitta
Gayle Hunnicutt
as Margie Cohn
Peter MacNeill
as Alexander
Jean LeClerc
as Fred
Jean Marchand
as Terence
Anthony Forrest
as Robert Tracer
Andrée St-Laurent
as Rose Tracer
Julie Wildman
as
Jérôme Tiberghien
as Ted Sullivan
Dave Nichols
as
Jean Guilda
as
Crew
Director
- Alberto De Martino
Producer
- Edmondo Amati
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Shadows in an Empty Room 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 Alberto De Martino 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 1976, 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 Shadows in an Empty Room took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1474 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Shadows in an Empty Room shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 23rd Street, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Shadows in an Empty Room subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Miz Cracker's Favorite Haunts and Fargo explore similar territory, Shadows in an Empty Room stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 9, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch
