Backdrop preview Summer Night backdrop
Summer Night

Summer Night (1963)

Jun 03, 1963 1h 51m Drama

Barcelona in the early sixties: black and white chronicle of the ups and downs in the relationship of several young couples of the Catalan bourgeoisie during the time between two Saint John's eve festivals.

Directed by Jorge Grau

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jorge Grau
Writer
  • Claudio Barbati
  • Eusebio Ferrer
  • Jorge Grau
  • Fernando Morandi

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Summer Night 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 Jorge Grau 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 1963, 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 Summer Night took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 166 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The film contains approximately 1587 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1963, when this film was released:
  • The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Summer Night 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 Hustler, which focuses more on action than character development, Summer Night offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like A Brief Excursion and Midnights with Adam explore similar territory, Summer Night 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: June 3, 1963
  • Runtime: 1h 51m

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