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Black Hat

Black Hat (2018)

Nov 30, 2018 14m Drama

At first blush, Shmuel is a pious Hasidic man leading a fairly simple life. By day he dutifully prays at the local synagogue and manages a busy dry cleaner. But when his wife and daughters leave town for a few days, Shmuel will step out of his simple daily life and into a more complex world lit by the night. When he misplaces his black hat along the way, Shmuel’s two lives will interconnect in a way he never expected.

Directed by Sarah Smith

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Sarah Smith
Writer
  • Phillip Guttmann
Producer
  • Yaniv Rokah

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Black Hat examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Sarah Smith 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 2018, 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 Black Hat took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 14 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 50 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: November 30, 2018
  • Runtime: 14m
  • Budget: $23,000

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