Brother 2

Brother 2

Brother 2 was filled with much more action and street slang from all languages’ within the Chicago area. I liked the fact that they visited the different villages to realistically portray the right scenes. There’s nothing like telling someone you are in the Ukrainian Village only to see the background of Lake Michigan. Brother 2 was careful not to make a mistake in its representation of any village in its storyline. The fact is any film that can utilize scenes with real people and real location is beneficial. At First, I did not like this project because of the American comments but then when I looked at every other character and what they say about one another, I let that go. Brother 2 shows the growth in the storyline, characters and the director. Growth that positively helped every facet of the production on camera as well as off can clearly be seen when you watch Brother 1 & 2. Both films are unique and done well, in my opinion, and there is a lot to be said for the openness to explore new and exciting options to enhance ones production.

“Piter FM” Directed by Oksana Bychkova - 2006

“Piter FM” Directed by Oksana Bychkova - 2006

Oksana did a great job with the story and creatively included the fun, exciting and the discouragements within each character. Masha really didn’t love her husband and it was obvious from the start when I noticed that she has little interest in hearing the details of the wedding in which her fiancé was sharing with her. Losing her cell phone created such an interesting story for Masha and the gentlemen named Maksim. Maxim just fell in love with Masha from the start and it became apparent when he mentioned that he couldn’t leave until they actually met and he gave her the cell phone back. “Piter FM” was aligned with some interesting music that enlightened our spirits and left me wishing they just would turn around one more time because they are right near each other, lol. Speaking of the music, I found myself moving to the beat on more than one occasion. I do not recall seeing so much of St. petersburg in any of the previous films we've watched during this class. Taking a St. Petersburg trip might be fit into my long term goals section. I enjoyed the movie altogether and might want to add Oksana’s “Piter FM” to my film collection at home.

“The Return” Directed by Andrei Zvyagintsev – 2003

“The Return” Directed by Andrei Zvyagintsev – 2003

In watching “The Return”, I really kept hoping some form of major discipline would happen to the boys or at least a story were all of their hard work will pay off later on down the road. For example, the western film Karate Kid (original film in particular). In The Karate Kid, we notice how Danielson is waxing a car and he feels that this is so lame and will not really teach him anything about what he was there for. As we discover, those entire lame workouts ARE for a reason and Danielson learned just that eventually. In The Return, I was thinking of a similar outcome, but was taken in a different direction.

The brother had a great deal of character building happening throughout this film. From the very beginning we notice how things were going and then they wake up to father is home and now the boy and father are off to a trip. The home had virtually no decoration and the curtains and carpeting were slim to none in any room, hallway or space shown in frame. The clothing were of dark material unless you see mothers, she wore an off white colored outfit and her part in the film was short.

When the boys had taken off with dad and had gotten into a bit of a jam with the car and then later with father falling to his death, I can’t help but applaud the determination they had shown to make sure that this guy, they called father, made it back home with them. It took a lot of guts, strength and stamina to do all of that, even when no one really knew each other long outside the brother knowing each other the longest. It’s just too bad that they had forgotten to tie the boat up prior to walking away from it, maybe they would have discovered that mysterious box that father put in the boat compartment. At first, I thought the dad was a creep but when you look into his eyes the moment he looked around that wooden board (at the top of the tower, prior to his fall) he was sincerely reaching out to his son.

“Brother” directed by Aleksei Balabanov – 1997

“Brother” directed by Aleksei Balabanov – 1997

Aleksei’s film project titled, “Brother” led us through some interesting individuals through its mobster style story. I can imagine that the young man we call Danila was right for the part he played because he had shown his reluctance toward authority of all kinds. He’s avoided listening in the Military, home and pretty much anywhere he went. The streets is where is seemed Danila became stronger, although he had been shot a couple of times, he certainly built his image through the experiences, as we see in this film.

Viktor and some of the other characters did a great job, such as Kat and her need to focus on the drugs at hand and nothing else, German and his cemetery home and gathering of friends, Sveta and her love triangles, all had portrayed the way and life of the 90’s for Russia. To me, it seems as if the 90’s are portrayed as being worse than the 80’s in Russia.

St. Petersburg was a fight or flight kind of town during this time frame in Russia. It’s you or someone else and in the streets, it appears Danila prevails, but not as one would of thought, as a hardnosed thug or anything. Meaning, he seems to have a side of him in which he upholds his word during this film. For example, He promised a director that he can go and even though he hated directors, he still came to fulfill what he promised. Of course, that was after the chaos and body shifting around and a shot, but the fact he made good on his word says a lot of his integrity. This kind act doesn’t make him look so bad in the bigger picture, but then again, if you were on the end of his barrel, would you upset him in any way?

“Little Vera” Directed by Vasily Pichal - 1988

“Little Vera” Directed by Vasily Pichal - 1988

The film project titled, “Little Vera” was, in my opinion a made for TV reality style show. I can picture this being a TV show later on down the road when we had the reality television phase. Although, this was a film project it left room for future character options. For example, Sergei could have helped fix the toilet afterwards to show he forgive Vera’s father for stabbing him and we can see a stronger bond between everyone during the recovering from the drama time frame. Vasily spent a great deal of time displaying the emotions of the enraged father on a negative level and Sergei’s locking Vera’s father in the bathroom, but we don’t see the same level of strength in the forgiving and moving on part of the story.

I sense that this teen has a lot of growing up to do and hopefully Vera doesn’t continue smoking for fear of injury a child for her Sergei. In almost every corner of the world a teen watching this film can relate to much of what happens in Vera’s family. It’s not only her family, but the things that happen with other characters in the film. Remember the police station were Vera is sitting at a desk, there was another gentleman that appeared shortly afterward. This guy had an interesting role that wasn’t fully reveal and would of helped me figure out a bit more of why he was really part of the project. It felt as if that particular role would have made no difference if it were removed.

It must have been a normal reaction for ever family to have dramatic issues take place at home and everyone ends up pretending it never happened. I’m not sure that it would be that way in my neck of the woods, but for them, it was apparent that it just ended up a hush-hush situation after all.

I would love to see a remake of this film and with a little more attention to the recovering from the dramatic event and pulling together as a family. Like I mentioned above, Maybe show Sergei make the first move towards this goal and help fix the broken latrine.

“Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears” directed by Vladimir Menshov – 1979

“Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears” directed by Vladimir Menshov – 1979

I really enjoyed this film because of it’s fine portrayal of the many characters in each scene. At first, I thought it was just about a single lady being stubborn and hateful towards the guy who is her Childs father. As the film went on I realized that all the people, places and things in this film were all connected. From the landscape in the country to the streets in town, I noticed how the outfits had changed, not only for the season, but for the time period as well. I’m not sure who has the best story in the film as I liked them all. Katrina with her dedication to her factory work, the camera man (Rudolph), Lyudmila and Antonina each had compelling parts. It rare that I haven’t any harsh critiques about a film project, this one earned a two thumbs up from me.

Every credited role had hopes for a great future and we rode with them to wherever they led us. I could see this film remade where some of the character’s shared more of their childhood and what their upbringing was like. I do not remember any of them talking in great details of their parents or grandparents. Don’t mind me, I’m a bit tired and had thought of an exciting sequel for this film, lol. Did anyone else notice that they artwork was minimal in the rooms during the 50’s? Also they tended to use curtains that are the same for windows AND doorways in the 70’s?

“Ballard of a Soldier” by Grigory Chukhra – 1959

“Ballard of a Soldier” by Grigory Chukhra – 1959

Grigory did some amazing things with lighting for the project titled, “Ballard of a Soldier.” For example, the close-up shots of Shura and Aleksei while they were on the train. I noticed some scene were a soft lens was used to great brilliant edges of some of the important moments in the film. You must not forget that the film seemed to not only be about Alexsei nor is it about Shura. This film is about everyone that they encounter through the entire travel. Each time the train door opens, it opens to unfamiliar townspeople and station workers. Each stop was filled with the changing times during the stages of war, for the businesses and residents. How people dressed and reacted towards one another was different as they went along. But on the other hand, the radio station repeatedly announced of how the front line hasn’t changed.

Think about it for a second, While Alexsei is traveling to his home, he is going through changes along with those he interacts with, and meanwhile everyone on the frontline is still the same. It’s important to process the moments we have in life, there are people who are in our lives for a split second and others you’ll know all your life. Make every moment worthwhile and accept the changes in life and keep in mind that changes happen to every person, place or thing.

Change is Life; Life is Change, in my opinion. In addition, I see that he is still a boy that yearns for acceptance from his mother and Shura is not out of the equation for she too was looking to be accepted.

1975 film titled “Mirror” by Andrei Tarkovsky

1975 film titled “Mirror” by Andrei Tarkovsky

The beginning of the film “Mirror” was not less than confusing as the strange guy comes up out of nowhere and then goes off into the abyss? Now, I may have missed it but did he even come back or is there a part of the bigger picture in which I fell asleep (figuratively speaking, of course). I’m not sure what to make of Andrei’s project as a whole, but there are some things I thought was interesting enough to share. In my opinion, the largest thing I picked up was the fact the story hit on a sensitive situation between the link of a mom and son. Now this may have been on purpose for the resemblance of Mother Mary nurturing Jesus, it is a similarity which frequently appeared in “Mirror.”

I enjoyed the fact that the son had watched mom leave, then shut the door, only to find himself with other people in his home. Even if the kid wasn’t scared, it sure made a great scene and then it was his house again. I wonder what happened to everyone and when you think of a mirror, do we think of a boy always looks for someone that is as loving, caring and nurturing as his mother? If he doesn’t, will he forever be isolated, alone and away from everyone else. I sense another option the boys love for his mother being similar to a soldiers love for the motherland. Well, it was a challenging film to stay with but there were a lot of neat transitions and some colored scenes I recall. Overall, I can say that this project was intriguing.

“Ivan the Terrible” (Part I) a 1944 (of 1500’s) Socialist Realist film by Sergei Eisenstein

“Ivan the Terrible” a 1944 (of 1500’s) Socialist Realist film by Sergei Eisenstein

This particular Eisenstein project (Ivan the Terrible) was done in 1944 and already starts the opening scenes with the Tsar being accepted by his superiors as the choir sings a song about how the Boyers have unleashed a treacherous plot. During this scene we see a multitude of people around the massive cathedral size structure, all of which are participating in this ceremony for the Tsar. Not all are content with whom the Tsar is currently and it is unsettling to say the least. We find this out throughout the film as the camera takes us in and out of various characters conversation pieces and it’s clearer that many want nothing to do with the Tsar, especially when he makes his announcement in a few seconds. But first, we need to place the crown on the Tsar and give him a sword and orb. Alright, we see the money flowing over the new Tsar, the choir still singing, then all of the sudden the choir stops. This is when a soloist chimes in with an abundantly healthy set of bass sounding lungs. I nearly jumped out of my seat because I never saw that coming, then the big guy stops, choir adds a few more verses, the big guy does one or two more as well and we move to the Tsar Speech scene and angle(s).

Tsar says he wants everyone to give him money, even the bishop and the higher ranked individuals are to obey. They will help and obey so that Tsar can get the trained people, tools, weapons and anything else he need  for the preexisting battle ahead. A lullaby is caressing our delicate ears at this particular time in the film.

As the Tsar continues his requests, he is unaware of the gossip that has the palace going crazy because of the mega celebratory things that overwhelm him currently. The gossip is about the townspeople heading toward the Tsar as the celebration is commencing. All of the sudden, I recall someone mention wedding, a baby and the scene didn’t really change much before the guests were chanting for the couple to kiss.

Suddenly, as if it was out of thin air, the cathedral was filled with townspeople with sickles and such, shouting things like, “I want to see the Tsar” and “Where is he”. There was one man who happened to push through everyone and ended up smack dab in front of the Tsar himself. Once the Tsar was acknowledged, everyone within the room had bowed and/or gestured to the Tsar. A gesture of approval, I think, it was hard for me to tell in this section of the film.

Tsar says, “We must weed out Boyars, too Kozan.” The townspeople echoed the Tsar and off they went to with weapons like sickles and cannons. They dug a tunnel over a period of a month, when Tsar’s helpers were finally through; he instructed that he had enough gun powder to fulfill their goal. So, off to the gunpowder stock they go and with four strategically placed pieces of wick and a single candle to burn down for contact, they blew up the entire area, went to war with Moscow and succeeded.

The story takes us back to the castle-like structure, where everyone appears to be discussing how the fact their Tsar is “ILL” from the war. Holy Sacraments are then brought to the Tsar, he laid bad for his final resting position, holding a lit candle, which looked about as creepy as it can get. Only to be met up with a huge biblical looking book, this towers his skull in comparison. At this time, everyone is vying for the label Tsar, but it backfires when the Tsar is on his feet again, Stating, “The Sacraments Cured me.”

The Tsar strongly urges a move toward the Baltic States, while acknowledging he is alone outside the fact his wife (Anastasia) and child (Alyoshka or Rigy are the two names that popped up on screen at the same time) are with him. No men, weapons, help of any kind to complete his goal for the Motherland. It was not long before new outside resources teamed up with the Tsar and created, vast numbers, comrades which ultimately fought alongside the Tsar; for the sake of the Motherland.

I certainly see the similarities between some of the Socialist Realist lead character traits. Meaning, the dedication to the Motherland takes presence over friends and family. Also, the character’s of Anastasia and Tsar appear to have more of a darker side, in which is only hinted, but evidence such as Anastasia’s occasional flirtation with that other guy even while the Tsar was supposedly laid to rest in his final bed. I didn’t know what to think of it, but it sure leaves the character open for future scripts. The Tsar with his naive way of accepting everyone’s reasoning for almost assassinating him around every corner. The film had a lot of funny part, where I was giggling and a few parts were I blurted out, “Of course” or “Why not.” It’ll be interesting to see part II of, “Ivan the Terrible” and those links we had seen prior to this film starting.

Burnt by the Sun Directed and featuring Nikita Mikalkov – 1994 (film of 1936/7)

Burnt by the Sun Directed and featuring Nikita Mikalkov – 1994 (film of 1936/7)

 

This 1930’s based film opens with a star on top of a building structure and a scan through the street of Soviet Russia. There are RED flags on each light pole and some larger ones on buildings which are seen from just about anywhere you walk or drive.

Once the downtown had its debut the first minute or so into the film, we are brought to a room where one older gentleman and younger gentlemen are talking business. This business doesn’t seem to be of any real purpose to anyone else but those two gentlemen as they talk in codes and/or other languages to avoid anyone else knowing what they are saying. It wasn’t long before I figured out that this must be the scene where plans are made to get rid of someone, as the sense of spy came to mind for me. Those types of people would be using codes and such to avoid getting the info they are sharing into the hands of the wrong person(s). To ensure the person they are currently around ARE, indeed who they say they are.

Once, all details are worked out and they understand who each other is, the details are now shared. I found it odd, that the younger guy by the name of Mitsya, didn’t even pay no mind when his elder was sharing important information. All Mitsya did was pull out a revolver and place a bullet in it (at least from what I could tell), spun the dial and then pulled the trigger once he placed the barrel to his head. I guess it wasn’t the day for him to die; the bullet wasn’t in that particular chamber, this time around.

We now see a couple being serenaded outside in what looks like a very small ice rink decorated with make-shift fence pieces to signify the boundaries. While the talented instrumentalists were doing their music we hear AND see a little girl in the nearby distance singing to herself, in the tune of what she is hearing by the few people that were playing their instruments.

The story in the film had now brought us to a cottage, where we see Sergei Petrovich Kotov and Nadya in the sauna area in an awkward, to me, but natural to their culture, situation. The daughter was on top of dad without any clothes, although she was just on his back, it made me feel a bit uncomfortable. They weren’t without someone knowing, mind you, as mom (Marusia) is certainly there in site, but it seem as if she was in another part of the room talking to the both of them and nothing was out of the ordinary for anyone in the household. It was just time in the sauna for relaxation, I’m gathering from the scene.

Suddenly, we are shown multiple tanks ruining wheatfeild and creating havoc to the owners and workers of the field without hesitation. Not knowing why or being able to stop them heightened the panic. Word of this rampage reached Col. Kotov and he went to the supervisor in charge of the tanks, called someone and off the tanks went without anymore chaos.

By a swift clip of the editor we are met with a scene in which a marching band is working their way through the forest at the entry gates to this cottage. Nadya runs to hear the band and watch as they go by. It’s not long before suddenly, a rambunctious older gentlemen pops out of the marching line towards Nadya which excites Nadya as he plays a guessing game. She is trying to guess who he is,

maybe a doctor or Summer Santa but none of that really is who’s arrived at the cozy cottage as a guest, as we will soon find out. The bearded gentlemen works is way through the gate with his game of guessing, while telling each person he comes to a bit of something about themselves that he knows. This is strange and fun at the same time. Now, everyone is eager to find out who IS this unrecognizable character. They didn’t have to wait for too long as the gentlemen in disguise shows everyone his talneted piano skills; it’s off with the beard and white hair. It’s Mitya, scream a few members of the household as they run up and hugged him, some just laughed and other just simply wondered around the house.

Although the cottage has it’s fun time and laughter, by all means, it’s trouble with a past in which only Mitya and Marusia know about, outside one other family member. It slowly becomes apparent to the rest of the family that Mitya and Marusia had a relationship in the past and it was broken up during its prime moments. The time Mitya was sent out of town and when Kotov was the person who instructed him to go. Now, it wasn’t made clear that Kotov every knew about the past but the message was very clear this time when Mitya told Nadya a story and Marusia appeared agitated by it then walked away. Kotov picked up on it as well, then had his talk, sex and more talk with Marusia. I must say, their way of coping is different, but a learning experience none-the-less.

Once Marusia and Kotov were done with their moments, Marusia came out of the room and suddenly she saw Nadya tap dancing, a new step she learned from Mitya, in the hallway. Since, Mitya was also standing there he noticed Marusia and gestured to talk to Kotov. Mitya asked Nadya to play this humming game and since Marusia wasn’t in the immediate area, it was time for Mitya to let Kotov know the real reason he was visiting. It appears that Mitya had arranged to have Kotov and himself picked up in two hours. While, Nadya was humming, which just helped her not hear what they were talking about, the message was delivered and the reaction on Kotov’s face was one in which you knew that he understood the message and had no choice but to go along for the ride.

Before the vehicle gets here let’s finish what we always do on Sunday and keep the routine, "As is" was a great way to not let anyone else in the family know that Mitya’s ultimate purpose, his job, was to make sure Kotov was no longer alive. Mitya fulfilled his job requirement then ended his own life with the slit of one wrist while in a tub of water.

 I feel that Mitya used personal motives to train harder in the political arena so he can fulfill his ultimate goal and get revenge for sending him away from Marusia. Mitya clearly had a strong bond for Marusia, a dangerous bond in which, he only realized once it was too late to undo the deed at hand. The killing of Kotov didn’t have any rewards for Mitya after all.

“Circus” a Socialist Realist (Soviet) film directed by: Grigory Alexandrov – 1936

“Circus” a Socialist Realist (Soviet) film directed by: Grigory Alexandrov – 1936

Circus by Grigory Alexandrov was a film project that took on a society challenge of racism, creatively depicted its harsh side, while gently showing you the warmth of a community that embraces racism as it does with so many other changes in life. Mr. Alexandrov does this with abundant amounts of comedy and high energy spirit for the right transitions. The transitions, in this film, really felt like they were right for the chosen section of the film project. For example, the very beginning had a globe that spun and while you were watching it spin on and on, you were led to a similar globe but in a different setting. Now, that’s down right neat way to take viewers to and from just about anywhere a director wants to take you. Other transitions, were present in Circus, such as, the full moon switched to a quarter moon upon Mary’s arrival, the transitions between special effects when the Montague was on the screen had well thought out effort. Speaking of special effects, the Dracula hands a letter off and then mentions the word, “Incognito” or “unknown” then he disappears right before your very eyes.

Grigory not only plays with comedy in this project he throws in the society’s uneasiness of race, in particular, a black baby, which is the son of Mary. Mary ran from her past, bringing little infant with her, finding shelter in someone else’s arms. That someone else kept her little child, a secret until one day Mary fraternizes with another man. Once the helpful man got wind of Mary’s love interest, he became angry and even threatens to tell everyone of her wrong doing. The idea of a white woman giving to a black child was not acceptable, at least where Mary previously came from.

After, challenging ones love, four amazing Circus performances onward to the thirtieth AND final performance for Mary, the truth has stopped the last performance prior to the ultimate climax. The truth of Mary being the mother of a black child was suppose to destroy Mary emotionally, and psychological. But what happened, instead, was the entire crowd followed suit in opening their hearts and minds to this little child Mary called little Jimmy. They welcomed him with a song and each of the members in the crowd held the little boy. They passed him around showing that the community doesn’t care about the race, it a child of the community and who cares, he’ll stay with this particular area and grow up to be an adult.

Extra Side notes I wanted to share with you about “Circus”

The circus performers in the sideshows reminded me of the Laurel and Hardy comedies

She ignored her own baby crying, what?

Nonsense doesn’t translate to Russian (at least in this film)

The transition from the lions POV and the man in the cage was “THE BEST”

The way they introduced how a community welcomed another race was better than many films I’ve seen- well done.

The overlapping images turned out decent, in my opinion

Chapaev – 1934 Directed By: The Vasilev brothers

Chapaev – 1934 Directed By: The Vasilev brothers

It amazes me to realize that projects can be altered to chose the mindset of the viewers in which was to the best interest of the director(s). The propaganda that was allowed to give people false accounts of not only historical events, but current ones as well onward to what the future would be like.

In watching this film I had realized that the directors attempted to show change within some of the characters in how they reacted toward one another. I’m not sure if that was a major part of the story but it stuck out to me as a viewer. I did question, however, the legitimacy of the change when Chapaev, made remarks while he was being talked to in one part of the film. There were emotional tid bits throughout the storyline that helped make the characters real to me, as a viewer. For example, When Petka had groped Anka all in the name of showing her the “right” way to build the Maxim Gun, she caught on real quickly though and they moved forward with the training as planned.

I was lost in the fight as the horseman came up after the war seemed to have been won (Defeating Colonel Borozdin?). They seemed as if they were going to shoot but I do not recall anyone saying that they were on their side, maybe it was a quick word or two that I missed or the action wasn’t as big as the battle for me to catch that reaction or acknowledgement that the individuals on the horses were their comrades.

Does anyone question, in the film, whether or not Chapaev really was shot in the water as I did? It felt as if he really gave up after only having one wounded arm. He was limping and looked as if his sidekick (Petka) had to hold him a bit more for an arm wound. I’m not saying, I’d want to have someone shoot my arm and see how it feels, but in reality, your feet have nothing to do with your elbow. The waterfront wasn’t THAT far from the door. I can see the water being a problem but not beforehand.

The Vasilev brothers or the character generator had used two unknown words to me: Steppe and Slovenly.

Name calling was a big thing as once I heard a derogatory comment such as, “Red-Tape Worm”

Even with the nit picking I am doing with the characters and their response to one another, I still would watch this project for its attention to the characters relationships, timeline of the story, the use of multiple locations, and the continuity of the props and outfits used during the period of 1934.

Does anyone know whether or not this was a single camera project or not? Also who chose the lighting of films on set for the Russian Cinema projects? Is it always a rule for the director to choose or is there another position that corrects any lighting during filming or location changes. How did they depict night or day and yet obtain quality footage in the early 30’s like we see in this project.

This project may appeal to a larger audience because of the relatable events that happen personally. There were so many individuals that had seem to have an open mind enough to listen to what someone else had to say and ended up changing how they are themselves. I hope that what I just wrote makes some sense at all.

When I think of the sound in the Battleship Potemkin, I think of loud and over the top in many instances, but for this Vasilev brothers project I feel that the dialogue makes is possible to tame the dramatic music and keep an even amount of music Vs vocalization to attract a larger part of the crowd that watches the film.

“The Man with the Movie Camera” Film By: DZIGAVERTOV - 1929

“The Man with the Movie Camera” Film By: DZIGAVERTOV

The Man with the movie camera film project had many great qualities, in which I’d like to share. The use of natural light was increasingly obvious as well as some candles were added for lighting was necessary as with the cave scene and any closed room shots captured. I also notice the fact a second camera was used in almost 70 percent of the film project which is how he was able to capture the array of moving clips of himself at his best, working on an idea for his film project(s).

There is something to be said about all the relationships his monologues have with one another. For example, a scene capturing a trolley and a girl, afterwards we see a whole different angle, location and position, a girl on a bench and a trolley driving right behind her. Two different footages and two different setups but they have similarities in what or who is shown in the frame.

The entire film project had all of the behind the scenes, inside closed doors, feet chasing, trolley riding, horse grabbing action that a western movie has but all in one film. It was a treat to see that there wasn’t a location he wouldn’t try to get the footage he set forth to collect. The ropes and bucket over the water fall had me on the edge of my set. Don’t neglect the fact he rode on moving trains, trolleys and other things to fulfill his passion.

I must be honest; the finale really bored me at the end. I mean, how much faster can you get before you just hold your hands up and say, “I give up”. Lol

DZIGAVERTOV must have had a budget to go by, right? He had story boards, vehicles, people, camera, locations, etc… I wondered who funded this huge project all together and how long it took to complete from conception to final edit.

Sergei Eisenstein’s 1925 film project titled, “Battleship Potemkin” (based on year 1905)

Sergei Eisenstein’s 1925 film project titled, “Battleship Potemkin” (based on year 1905)

The “Battleship Potemkin” project was well made in many ways. The acting was much more in line with what really was going on in each scene. The music lent itself to be a great accompaniment to the entire film project as a whole. It’s amazing to me that there isn’t much I can really pick out that left me feeling like I want to fall asleep. Even the trampling over everyone in the crowd was done in such a realistic way that it made you feel as if you wanted to help the women, children and those who cannot make the next hop, skip or jump to safety.

The most impressive of all was the camera angles and views we are shown, such as, the multiple Points of view (POV) that this film shared with the viewers was beyond my expectation. I can count at least four changes of POV throughout many of the battle scene in which the crew had entangled themselves with the captain and staff members alone.

Sergei even went to great lengths to utilize transportation to follow a boat or two from another moving object solely for the camera angle. Not to forget the heights he used to give the viewer that large circumference of area in which the masses either fought with one another or the townspeople rushed to shore to the funeral. I felt as if I was there, at the funeral and once again running to safety with the fellows townspeople and crew that for awhile there, stood up to the captain and gunmen, yet we are on the other end of the gun for a short period of time.

Luckily, we had the smart to retaliate and overcome the small defeat and persevered through it all and to our benefit; the bright red flags were hung to show that we are not alone in this effort any longer.

1916 – The Dying Swan

1916 – The Dying Swan

The Dying Swan project is dark and mysterious in all its splendors. When you step back and look at it, in its entirety you can’t help but be impressed at the life this project give to death. The darkness it portrays leaves one to wonder how deep death in meaning to an individual is. If one person see death as horrifying and another feels death is peace, then who is right?

I can picture Mr. Depp in the role of Viktor, at least from the deep, dark character in which is portrayed in The Dying Swan. Gazilla’s role was really neat and I felt that she must have been unhappy much of her life because of her disability. It’s easy to set aside those who are different and that set a path of low self esteem and who know what else down the road.

I felt the project tried out some things that worked well for it’s time

Dream sequence was a decent try with the blue colors and cold feeling

The flowers being dropped in acceptance of a Princess into his home was really meaningful and got the point across, even without words spoken. I just wonder who is going to volunteer to pick them up and the end of the day, lol.

The phrase “Be Still that’s were peace and beauty lye” really felt right for the part of the project.

He sends her a crown that has the tears of his soul/sole? Really, now that just is right on for his character and well played out, I must add.

Things I need answers on

I beseech you? What is/or does that mean? (They Marry?)

Was Roco her last name?

Someone had called her Signorina, but I don’t recall what that means.

The count had a name of Valerian or did I read that wrong?

Towards the end I seen the following: Raccio Signor (means?)

Overall, this project was my all time favorite as it delivered the colors, tastes, sounds of life AND death. Both Life and Death can be horrifying AND beautiful, it’s all in how you perceive it, in my opinion, that is.

1002nd Ruse

1915- 1002^nd Ruse

The short film project 1002^nd Ruse was an interesting project I bet to film. The whole idea of partners playing these games with one another, not figuring out the other one really knows whats going on and all. In some ways couples tend to do that today as they go through life and learn what makes their significant other tick and knows what they can get away with or not. I can picture my parents going to great lengths to get what they want from each other and then realizing that the other one knew all along, sit down and just laugh about it, only because they like to have fun with life and find ways to make their relationship more interesting.

A few things I noticed outside the storyline

The Chair she sat in had a fancy “L” shaped backing to it. In fact, much of the furniture pieces had that particular style. Not your usual flat backing in which to lean on, like we see today in many outlets.

At one point, the guy looked as if he was also wearing the similar dress under his coat.

Did anyone else notice things that I didn’t?

1914- Short project titled, “Child in a Big City”

1914- Short project titled, “Child in a Big City”

This story started out with Marya in the basement with unknown characters in the scene outside there being her mother. At the very beginning, her mother was to be meeting her maker from consumption. Just as we focus on the last moments of the dear elder’s life, the screen skips to a more delightful screen showing NINE (9) years later.

The scene has a factory setting showing Marya daydreaming of a world far beyond her imagination. The day dream is preventing Marya from holding her end of the work load, deeming her part as non-productive in comparison to her co-workers. This is confirmed by the reaction of the supervisor when she noticed the wondering mind and body of Marya while making the rounds during her shift. Marya, jumped back to her seat to mock sew on the machine she was assigned to from her employer.

It seems as if wealth and living a rich life is a main focus for Marya, so much so she is found distant, once again,  from the real world and just as her mind slips away while window shopping, low and behold two gentlemen comes up and asks for her hand. Does she say, yes? Or does Marya, simply say no until the obviously rich scholar of a young man comes in place? You may find the answer to those questions shortly, in my blog.

The story jumps to a well to do room with at least two gentlemen rummaging around in search of something. What makes these gentlemen look frustrated and disoriented, you might ask. Well, one of the gentlemen has, to his knowledge, searched all around for the perfect woman yet hasn’t found that unspoiled women of his desire. The item that victor and his friend were searching for is an album of the many women he had already looked at, up until this point in the storyline.

Now, we are brought to a well lit, cozy section near the back of a fine dining establishment. The place setting extends a warm welcome for both gentlemen and Marya. She is greeted by the older gentlemen holding a shot of liqueur for the both of them. It doesn’t take long before the nearly 6 ounces of elixir to be consumed by either fascinating characters. It was a creative touch when the older gentleman does get the leading lady and we find that the younger, wealthier gent is greeted with a kiss that certainly played well with the gradual speed of the background music chosen for the scene.

Now, is the time we see the twist of how the rich gets pulled into an uncomfortable situation and fails at holding his fortune long enough to keep his beloved lady. The scene of a celebration is short lived and the rude reality of disparity and loss is evident when the once well off young buck is shown sitting at his desk trying to plea with her via a written letter which says, “ We will Live Modestly for each other.” This doesn’t go over well and backfires, remember she dreamt of wealthy and it was apparent that her husband was no longer filling the needs she set for herself.

Marya’s now ex-husband couldn’t live without her, so much so that he ended up killing himself the door step after the second attempt to share his feelings of love for her, in hope to gain her love in return. Marya’s new friends and abundantly wealthy group finds him on the stairway and we hear a member of the snooty sort exclaim, “They do say meeting the dead brings/makes happiness.” 

Overall, I enjoyed the chosen transitions of the project. I felt that the cinematographer paid a great deal of attention to those important money scenes and it all came together for the film.

Little bit of Extras I noticed during the viewing of this particular short film project

That is the largest Hat box/Shopping box I ever saw, which looked as if it would out weight the main character easily. You can see this Bright white circular monstrosity during the window shopping scene

There was a point a car drove in frame that had, what appeared to be; our modern day office chairs style for their actual bucket seats

The dancer on stage, during the celebration scene, had an image of a girl printed on her leggings. The print was seen only on one of her legs, as the other leg hadn’t a picture

The lighting on top of the Despair and loss scene flickered at nearly the same pace as the music

I would’ve picked the money versus the road to no return, myself at the end of the day but the project is just that, a project and it was an honor to be able to view this Russian film from 1914

Part Two of two for the project: “Enjoy your Bath” or “Irony of Fate”

Part Two of two for the project:  “Enjoy your Bath” or “Irony of Fate”

I, Brent Caputo, was curious right from the get-go about the idea of the main Character having no issues about taking a drink. I know, the New Year is about to ring in, but still, isn’t the reason he is in this predicament caused from alcohol?

In this part of the movie we find that persistence has a large role in shape of a man named Ippulit. Ippulit, just kept coming back and after awhile, we see that this poor man is worn out and just gives up the efforts to be with his lady. It seems that the connection between Zhenya and Nadya is more obvious to others than the two can see, at least at first.

The many times Ippulit’s image gets hidden or removed from the original location and the conversations that happen during the comedic encounter helped break my silence in class. I simply chuckled knowing that they eventually will get together because of the bond we see throughout the remainder of the dinner.

Between the broken plate, stealing of the meat from Nadya plate to the multiple visitors throughout the couples exchange, left me on the edge of my seat.

I am glad that Nadya ended up taking the step to Moscow and find happiness with Zhenya.  After all, they, at least in the film, had shared more conversations and exchanged emotional feelings in ways out numbers that of the time Galya was around.

Fun little Things I noticed during Part Two between 9:21am – 11:23am outside the storyline itself

Finally we hear what momma’s name really is, it is: Maria

Part Two had more vibrant colors throughout the scene than in Part One

One single piece of Garland (Silver) was hanging from the ceiling next to Zhenya’s head, when Nadya sits on the side of the bed in her apartment next to him. It’s out of place as there aren’t any other items next to it and it just stuck out from the scene.

The guitar had a power Purple ribbon on the top of it as if it were symbolic to their culture

Nadya wore a pastel purple robe while the rest of the time she wore plan, darker colored items

The scene were Zhenya uses the phone had people with dark carrying cases except the person who had left the phone booth for him, that person happed to have a bright Red case which stood out. Maybe that was the plan and back in 1975, it was easy to locate that color on camera much easier.

They had opened a bottle of Champaign only minutes of already opening one, which was next to them just half full yet.

Irony of Fate or Enjoy Your Bath Part 1 of 2

I, Brent Caputo, found that Part 1 of the film titled, "Irony of Fate" or "Enjoy Your Bath" had a lot of great points and certainly give the feel for life in a community similar to that of the U.S. Meaning, the need for laughter, friends and family. The chance to get a long in one tiny apartment dwelling through life's challenges isn't just a U.S. issue but everywhere there are humans.

The film has a bit of youthfulness to it as shown in the way the character's poke fun at each other during the most unusual situations. Situations that are not a custom here in the United States, like the Bath House where everyone is together in one setting. A setting in which has its own community and rules to adhere by, whether they follow those particular rules is another thing, for example, the alcohol mixed with beer. I thought I had heard someone say that the beer was welcomed in the bath house put not the harder liquors. I could be wrong, so feel free to correct me on it, thanks.


The film does an amazing job at recreating the mixed up town and the scenario at hand in which the main character, by the name of Zhenya drinks way too much for his own good and wellbeing. This happened shortly after he was invited to spend some one-on-one time with a friend by the name of Galya. Galya has plans that will keep Zhenya right next to her while the New Year rings in. Their talk about being a couple was youthfully enlightening. Meaning, the characters played on the naive side of a bachelor when anyone mentioned the potential for sex. Zhenya would have this childlike glow in his eyes and then breaks into singing for Galya. All this is happening while Pavlik, Zhenya's best friend is being sent away to the bath house without his good friend and potentially to the airport as planned, but this time he will be alone.

Later in the movie it turns out that the celebration of the news on Zhenya and Galya's wedding had enhanced the guys at the bath house to drink on just about everything they could think of, as long as it gives them an opportunity to drink, they'd bring it up. Being that Zhenya really isn't an avid drinker, he is taken into a deeper, less than sober state which has his best interest at bay. He ends up being on the plane instead of Pavlik thanks to his drinking buddy’s recollection of who goes where in the events that unfolds in their eyes while under the influence.

Far away from Moscow and his soon to be wife, Zhenya is found stumbling upon a familiar building with some of the same restlessness he is used to around his block. Outside of the drunken falls and climbs he works his way through the elevator and then to his bed by the tree. Moments later he is awaken by the aggressive homeowner tugging and pouring water on him because he is actually in the wrong apartment.

Between the two, Nadenka and Zhenya, they manage to work out the people, places and things that helped in the recovery of what might have taken place during the evening. Events that led up to Zhenya being nearly eight hours away from his apartment and his bride to be, that is, had to be reversed before the night is through. For what would his Galya think if she finds out that he ended up at a ladies apartment in another part of the country ringing in the New Year after accepting each other as more than friends?

Soon, the boyfriend of Nadenka arrives and disapproves in a much too familiar tune as anyone who walks into a situation as he walked in to this New Years Eve. Ippolit, simply doesn't understand and I cannot blame him for the questions, I mean, the guy was in his boxers and at one point didn't Zhenya have Nadenka's dress?

Overall, I enjoyed the film project thus far. The story and the characters help make the timely sense of humor worth watching and believable and leaves me thinking of times that I had mishaps in life growing up and the sense of familiarity helps sell the storyline to anyone who is open to the fact of this scenario, although is not real, has the potential to happen to anyone. 

Some of the little things, outside the storyline, I have noticed while watching the film:

The Clock turned to: 20:00

Their clothing was plain and not filled with bright decor or seams

The Television set only had audio and a Blue screen for the first few seconds

"No familiarity" was stressed when trying to say "No Same Sex Love for me"

The music behind the project sounded closely like Disney's B & W Mickey Mouse Era projects

There weren't many vehicles in or around the apartment complex in either location

The lighting was different from one camera angle to another in Nadenka's place