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The Twelve Months of the Summer

The Twelve Months of the Summer (1988)

Roger and Lars are family men who live a life as a traveling construction workers on large sites worldwide. They are offered a very generous contract they can't turn down. One-years work for a ten year salary. All they have to do is sign and honor the contract. But they don't know where they are going or what they are supposed to build. Blindfolded they are brought to a place with summer the year round. At this strange place they meet fellow workers. Together, they realize that there is something very wrong in this paradise.

Directed by Richard Hobert

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Richard Hobert
Writer
  • Richard Hobert
Producer
  • Aina Behring

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Science Fiction/Drama/Mystery/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Twelve Months of the Summer presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Richard Hobert 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 1988, 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 Twelve Months of the Summer took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1988, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Twelve Months of the Summer shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Freaks, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Twelve Months of the Summer offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Groundhog Day and Donnie Darko explore similar territory, The Twelve Months of the Summer 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 24, 1988
  • Runtime: 2h 10m

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