Cast
View All
Mário Viegas
as Rui Ventura Tadeu, aliás Kilas
Lia Gama
as Pepsi-Rita
Luís Lello
as Tereno
Milú
as Madrinha
Paula Guedes
as Ana
Francisco Pestana
as Lucas
Lima Duarte
as Major
Natália do Vale
as Lily-Bóbó
Adelaide Ferreira
as Palito La Reine
José Gomes
as Cosme
José Eduardo
as
Pedro Efe
as Trinitá
António Cara D'Anjo
as
Crew
Director
- José Fonseca e Costa
Writer
- José Fonseca e Costa
- Sérgio Godinho
- Tabajara Ruas
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Killers 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 José Fonseca e Costa 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 1980, 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 The Killers took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 124 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 177 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 181 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1980, 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 Killers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bound, which focuses more on action than character development, The Killers subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like One Hour Photo and Shallow Grave explore similar territory, The Killers 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 1, 1980
- Runtime: 2h 4m
