Cast
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Vittorio Gassman
as Carlo as a man / Carlo's grandfather
Fanny Ardant
as Adriana
Stefania Sandrelli
as Beatrice
Andrea Occhipinti
as Carlo as a young man
Emanuele Lamaro
as Carlo as a child
Cecilia Dazzi
as Beatrice as a young woman
Jo Champa
as Adriana as a young woman
Joska Versari
as Giulio as a child
Alberto Gimignani
as Giulio as a young man
Massimo Dapporto
as Giulio as a middle-aged man
Carlo Dapporto
as Giulio as an old man
Consuelo Pascali
as Adelina as a child
Ilaria Stuppia
as Adelina as a young woman
Ottavia Piccolo
as Adelina
Athina Cenci
as Aunt Margherita
Crew
Director
- Ettore Scola
Producer
- Franco Committeri
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Family 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 Ettore Scola 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 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Family took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 127 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 174 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- 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.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Family shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Flying Blind, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Family subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like One More Time and Parasite explore similar territory, The Family 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: January 20, 1987
- Runtime: 2h 7m
