About Russian Cinema
This is a definite digression from the actual art of the phi phenomena (the visual illusion at its best) to some almost random (mostly subjective) reflections and insights on specific examples of the Russian cinema (certain individual films and the making of them) in a non-chronological order.
Our understanding of any cinema cannot be taken out of the cultural context and other arts such as visual art, photography, etc. in a nation.
The history of cinema in each country is refracted through the unique lenses specific to that particular culture. It’s true for Russia.
The roots of the Russian cinema go back to the end of the 19th century and it is interesting to examine how the history of Russia has been represented through the art of motion pictures, since its conception.
Notably and not surprising at all — the first motion picture being a documentary by a French filmmaker who captured the coronation of the Russian Tsar Nicholas II, on May 14, 1896. Can we call this first film a Russian documentary? Not really, but that’s a great example of how complex and multidimensional things can get.
It’s not important to label things. The goal is to enjoy and reflect on what was created.
How does this affect us today?
What does it mean in the grand scheme of things, like the world cinema and the collaborations between filmmakers from different countries?
Is there a room for growth? Where are we heading?
The effects that Russian cinema has on Russians, and other nations.
Questions and reflections on such and similar instances of the uses of the art of cinema is the goal. Purely for the sake of celebrating the film art form, and for learning more about the human nature in the context of the Russian soul.
P.S. Whenever it applies, let’s “follow the money.”
