“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?
You get a *very* good look in this film at what Soviet apartments and dorm rooms were like in these periods...though Katerina's aunt and uncle live in a somewhat posh abode that most Soviets would never have gotten to see. But Katerina's apartment in the second half of the film is *so* right on...and I think they do a good job of making us feel like we're walking back and forth between the rooms in those scenes.
ReplyDeleteYour idea about knowing more about their childhoods and individual pasts would indeed be very interesting...and something that a later post-Soviet film would have been more likely to explore.