A Matter of Life and Death

A Matter of Life and Death

Briefed by the Ministry of Information to make a film that would foster Anglo-American relations in the post-war period, innovative filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger came up with A Matter of Life and Death, an extravagant and extraordinary fantasy in which David Niven stars as a downed pilot who must justify his continuing existence to a heavenly panel because he has made the mistake of falling in love with an American girl (Kim Hunter) when he really should have been dead. National stereotypes are lampooned as the angelic judges squabble over his fate. In a neat reversal of expectations, the Heaven sequences are black and white, while Earth is seen in Technicolor. Daring cinematography mixes monochrome and color, incorporates time-lapse images, and even toys with background "time freezes" 50 years before The Matrix. Roger Livesey and Raymond Massey lead the fine supporting cast. This is one of the undoubted jewels of British cinema. --Mark Walker

Year:
1946
4,992 Views

Share your thoughts on A Matter of Life and Death's quotes with the community:

0 Comments

    Quote of the Day Today's Quote | Archive

    Would you like us to send you a FREE inspiring quote delivered to your inbox daily?

    Please enter your email address:

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this movie page to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "A Matter of Life and Death Quotes." Quotes.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.quotes.net/movies/a_matter_of_life_and_death_quotes_7331>.

    Know another quote from A Matter of Life and Death?

    Don't let people miss on a great quote from the "A Matter of Life and Death" movie - add it here!

    Quiz

    Are you a quotes master?

    »
    In which movie does this quote appear: "Here's looking at you, kid."?
    A Unforgiven
    B Casablanca
    C In the Line of Fire
    D Taxi Driver