Backdrop preview Heartbreak House backdrop
Heartbreak House

Heartbreak House (1977)

May 19, 1977 2h Comedy

Captain Shotover, a retired seafarer, is reluctantly hosting a weekend house party for his two daughters and their bohemian friends. As they indulge in dangerous flirtations, will anyone notice their drift to destruction?

Directed by Cedric Messina

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Cedric Messina
Writer
  • George Bernard Shaw

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Heartbreak House represents a fascinating example of Comedy 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 Cedric Messina 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 1977, 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 Heartbreak House took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 402 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1977, 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 Heartbreak House shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Father Never Bothered, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Heartbreak House subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Dying Beyond Their Means and Benjamín's Wife explore similar territory, Heartbreak House 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: May 19, 1977
  • Runtime: 2h

Similar Movies