Cast
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Nadia Lotfi
as Suad
Hassan Youssef
as Ahmed Al-Bakhshundi
Yousuf Shaaban
as Mounir
Mohamed Awad
as Hussein
Tawfiq Al-Deqen
as Hanafi
Thuraya Fakhry
as Umm Ali
Safa El Gamil
as العريس المنتظر
Faten Al Shoubashi
as منى
Salwa saeed
as هاله - زوجة شاكر
Ahmed Shawqi
as شاكر - مدير التحرير
Fifi Saeed
as والدة منى
Abbas Rahmy
as عباس
Eskandar Mansy
as مختار صديق - المحامي
Hafez Amin
as عبدالعزيز - وكيل المحامي
Mokhtar El Sayed
as ضابط النجدة
Crew
Director
- Essa Karama
Writer
- Hussien Abd Al-Nabi
- Essa Karama
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Widow Wanted 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 Essa Karama 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 1965, 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 Widow Wanted took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1965, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- 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 Widow Wanted shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Widow Wanted subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mädchen in Uniform and Viridiana explore similar territory, Widow Wanted stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 9, 1965
- Runtime: 1h 35m
