House No. 13
House No. 13

Movie spotlight

House No. 13

1952
Movie
87 min
Arabic

Sherif visits a psychiatrist for his illness who exploits him to commit a murder by hypnotism.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Mikhail KalatozovGenres: Drama, Short

Plot Summary

This short film centers on a man who, after a severe illness, is sent to a sanatorium. He finds himself in Room No. 13, where he begins to experience psychological distress and hallucinations. The narrative explores his internal struggles as he grapples with his mental state and the unsettling atmosphere of the sanatorium.

Critical Reception

As a short film from the Soviet era, 'House No. 13' received limited distribution and contemporary critical analysis outside of its original context. However, it is recognized as an early work of Mikhail Kalatozov, who later gained international fame for 'The Cranes Are Flying' and 'I Am Cuba'. The film showcases Kalatozov's developing visual style and interest in psychological drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually interesting for its time, with a developing directorial style.

  • Explores psychological themes in a stark, Soviet-era setting.

  • A lesser-known but historically significant early work by a renowned director.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific short film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Mikhail Kalatozov, the director of 'House No. 13', was also known for his innovative cinematography and avant-garde techniques, which he later employed to great effect in his more famous works.

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