Almost a Tangent
Almost a Tangent

Movie spotlight

Almost a Tangent

1966
Movie
33 min
Italian

A day in the life of a young student, Paul, who commits suicide with his girl friend. We follow him in theschoolroom, where he fantasizes about space travel while the instructor goes over the dates of WW2 and his companions read "Playboy". He walks in a city covered with postcards for coming elections. Discusses life and death with a friend, Harald, meets a pretty acquaintance, Mara, with whom he makes love, and finally turns on the gas in his study.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Director: Arthur L. SmithGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

A young man named Tommy is caught between a life of petty crime and the influence of a caring priest. After a botched robbery, Tommy finds himself on the run, encountering various characters who either try to help him or exploit his situation. The film explores themes of redemption, societal pressures, and the struggle for a better life against overwhelming odds.

Critical Reception

Almost a Tangent received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its narrative predictable and its execution lacking. However, some reviewers acknowledged its earnest attempt to tackle social issues, particularly within the context of low-budget independent filmmaking of the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty portrayal of urban decay.

  • Criticized for a weak and meandering plot.

  • Some appreciated the lead actor's performance despite the film's flaws.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available suggest a divided opinion, with some viewers finding it a poignant, albeit flawed, character study, while others found it unengaging and dated.

Fun Fact

The film was produced by an independent production company with a very limited budget, which significantly impacted its scope and marketing.

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