My Case (1986)
A formally daring avant-garde work by Manoel de Oliveira, revisiting the same theatrical material three times to illuminate the depths of human suffering and empathy.
My Case - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mon Cas
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: Manoel de Oliveira
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 25, 1986 (Portugal), October 14, 1987 (France)
- Alternative Titles: O Meu Caso (PT)
- Production Countries: France, Portugal
My Case - Plot
Manoel de Oliveira plays his film in three stages: the first part - a play, the second can be roughly defined as a silent film (with the behind the scenes read excerpts from Beckett works), but in the end the director brilliantly performs the same material of the avant-garde exercise. Surprisingly, a joke, repeated three times, each time everything sounds fresh and develops into an almost verbatim adaptation of the biblical "Book of Job" - a spectacular point in a parable about how hard to empathize with other people's misery, when you have your own.
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My Case - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Manoel de Oliveira
Main Cast
- Bulle Ogier
- Axel Bogousslavsky
- Luis Miguel Cintra
- Fred Personne
- Wladimir Ivanovsky
- Héloïse Mignot
- Grégoire Oestermann
- Henri Serre
- Teresa Madruga
Writers
- Manoel de Oliveira
- José Régio
- Jacques Parsi
Producers
- Paulo Branco
My Case - FAQs
Where can I watch My Case online?
My Case (1986) is a rare arthouse title with limited mainstream streaming availability. Your best option is to check JustWatch for current regional streaming, rental, or purchase options, as availability may vary by country and platform over time.
What is My Case (1986) about?
My Case is an experimental film by Manoel de Oliveira structured in three stages: a theatrical play, a silent film with readings from Samuel Beckett, and a third variation of the same material. Together, they form a parable inspired by the biblical Book of Job about empathy and human suffering.
Is My Case based on a true story or literary work?
My Case is not based on a true story, but it draws heavily on literary sources. It incorporates texts by Samuel Beckett and is co-written by José Régio and Jacques Parsi. The film's thematic core echoes the biblical Book of Job, exploring suffering and the limits of human empathy.
Who directed My Case (1986)?
My Case was directed by Manoel de Oliveira, the legendary Portuguese filmmaker known for his long career and formally adventurous cinema. Oliveira also co-wrote the screenplay and is closely associated with the film's theatrical, self-reflexive approach to storytelling.
Who are the main actors in My Case?
The principal cast of My Case includes Bulle Ogier, Luis Miguel Cintra, Axel Bogousslavsky, Fred Personne, Wladimir Ivanovsky, Héloïse Mignot, Grégoire Oestermann, Henri Serre, and Teresa Madruga, several of whom are prominent figures in European arthouse cinema.
What genre is My Case (1986)?
My Case is classified as Drama and Fantasy. Its experimental structure — blending theatrical performance, silent film aesthetics, and avant-garde repetition — places it firmly within arthouse and experimental cinema, appealing to viewers interested in formally innovative and philosophically rich filmmaking.
How long is My Case (1986)?
My Case has a runtime of 91 minutes. Despite its relatively brief running time, the film's tripartite structure — presenting the same dramatic material three times in distinct cinematic modes — creates a rich, layered viewing experience that rewards patient and attentive audiences.
When was My Case released?
My Case premiered in Portugal on September 25, 1986, and was subsequently released in France on October 14, 1987. The film is a Franco-Portuguese co-production and was presented at international film festivals, helping to cement Manoel de Oliveira's reputation as a master of experimental cinema.
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