Cast
View All
Fernando Soler
as Ramiro de la Mata
Rosario Granados
as Virginia de la Mata
Andrés Soler
as Ladislao de la Mata
Rubén Rojo
as Pablo
Gustavo Rojo
as Eduardo de la Mata
Maruja Grifell
as Milagros
Francisco Jambrina
as Gregorio de la Mata
Luis Alcoriza
as Alfredo
Antonio Bravo
as Alfonso
Antonio Monsell
as Juan, mayordomo
María Luisa Serrano
as Mamá de Alfredo
Daniel Arroyo
as Invitado a fiesta (uncredited)
Ana María Hernández
as Invitada a fiesta (uncredited)
Josefina Burgos
as Empleada de Ramiro (uncredited)
Ángel Infante
as Empleada de Ramiro (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Luis Buñuel
Writer
- Adolfo Torrado
Producer
- Óscar Dancigers
- Fernando Soler
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Great Madcap 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 Luis Buñuel 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 1949, 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 Great Madcap took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 438 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1949, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Great Madcap 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 Man Who Invented Christmas, which focuses more on action than character development, The Great Madcap subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Little Princess and The Soul of Business explore similar territory, The Great Madcap 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: November 25, 1949
- Runtime: 1h 32m
