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The three disc set of Eisenstein has finally arrived and gave us opportunity to watch Alexander Nevsky last night.One should always be very careful trying to relive the childhood experiences. I loved that film when I was young.
Last night was largely a disappointment. I was trying to look past the technological limitations of the era and was mostly successful in that. And the film had many wonderful scenes - who can forget the pikes of the center regiment move like field of wheat under wind - masterful!!, simply masterful - but I did not get the impression of greatness.
The all too familiar score raised strong emotions in many spots and the attack scene mosic/images integration is still among the best in the world cinematography - even given its age. Its slow menacing buildup mesmerizing and glorious - all the way to its semi-crescendo and then sudden stop... chilling, simply chilling...
Cherkassov looking impressive with padded shoulders... some unfortunate flukes - when Alexander changes his helmet several times during the same scene - back and forth, back and forth - how did they miss it?
Maybe I am just too critical, and maybe I should suspend my modern age khowledge and expectatins a bit more. But something was missing, something that was definitely THERE in Ivan the Terrible. There that "something" was inescapable, here you had to look for it.
A masterpiece without any doubts, just a tad short of greatness in my view. Definitely a must for any movie lover, and this Criterion set is a wonderful present.
Follow Ups:
Victor,I have the set and agree that it is well worth watching and having in one's collection. I am perhaps a little less critical of the filmmaker as I am still in the neophite/novice stage of critical film viewing and collecting.
For a while it was Japanese film, then French, then Italian, German, other European and South American films, and now Russian. Is this an addiction?
John_N
It is a good addiction, and I would definitely add the American films to that list. Not your Spielberg type, of course, the good ones.What constantly amazes me, however, is the incredible wealth of what is out there. Once you break the Hollywood barrier you find the whole new world, as broad as Universe. I have been watching good films for decades, and still feel like I am just scratching the surface. In fact I do get that feeling of desperation when looking at the list, for there is no chance I can visit them all in my lifetime.
The best part is that every good hobby tends to create branches, new awareness, promote reading and investigations.
Enjoy it.
Yes, there are American(Hollywood) films on that list, but I have a hard time with all the hype(advertising $) surrounding new releases. I find myself ignoring all first run movies as a result to see if they can first stand up to the test of time.Yes, there is too much out there to hope to see in a lifetime, but the twists and turns in this pursuit yield many many surprises,
learnings, and the occasional awakening.However my interest in foreign(non-Hollywood) films is a return, not a start. I did pursue foreign language films in the late 1960's and early 1970's as a counter to the formula-based Hollywood films of the time. I then moved on to other life priorities
I still remember a film I saw back then that I have heard nothing of since: "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denovich"(a day in the life of a particular gulag prisoner)
John_N
***I still remember a film I saw back then that I have heard nothing of since: "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denovich"(a day in the life of a particular gulag prisoner)Is that a Norvegian one? I have not seen it and would like to. When I first read that novel the penalty was up to five years in the same barrack Ivan Denisovitch lived in, for having it in your posession. It was printed once in a magazine, and then quickly disappeared in the homes of the intelligencia. I still remember the cover. A wonderful novel. Some even say Solzhenitsin's best work, but I don't think so.
I saw the film in a small movie theater in Toronto, Canada that speciallized in showing art films and foreign language films. I don't remember any details, but I think you are right in it being Norwegian in origin.You have raised my interest again, and I think I will do some research and see if I can track down any more information on whether it was ever released to video.
I will keep you posted if I find anything.
John_N
***I will keep you posted if I find anything.Appreciate. And BTW, where does one find such information? Where would you look?
of One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch...Ok, here's the story.
First I went on the net to IMDB.com --the international movie database on the internet -- and enquired for the title correctly, since you gave me the correct spelling.
It is listed as a 1970 Norwegian film with no video release noted.
I clicked on reviews and saw that there are some recent reviews. This suggested a video release of some kind was out there.
I then searched the net and found that there was a laser disk release in 1971 which appeared to be a Columbia release which implied availabilty in North America.
I then decided to try my local video rental place -- one that specialized in art and foreign language films -- (probably the best one in Toronto).
I first looked under Norwegian films without success but then looked at their inventory print out. Eureka! They had it in stock filed under UK films???
It is now sitting beside my vcr for viewing later tonight.
Details: It is a Sony Video Software Company release dated 1988.
(Sony bought out Columbia a few years ago)
The tape id is 1157-50635-35
The tape number is K0635.I don't know where you are, but at the end of the tape it gives a phone number for residents of Canada and New York to call for a video catalogue: 1-212-315-5000.
Just call me Mr Holmes!!
John_N
I am in Delaware, so I shall check that New York number if you like the film. Please let me know right away.Good investigation, John!
Ok -- the film....Made in Oslo Norway 1970. Black and white with English dialogue.
Since I hadn't read the book, I can't make that comparison, but it certainly holds its own despite being 30 years old. I expected the effect would be lessened as I, also am 30 years older and supposedly more "worldly" in my outlook.
I found that the only loss from the film I saw 30 years ago was caused by my watching it on a small screen(my 32' tv) versus a large movie screen viewing. This lessened some of the impact on some of the outdoor scenes diminishing the apparent isolation on the Siberian landscape.
It was nice to see the film again after all this time.
By the way, there was also an 800 number for a catalogue if you were interested 1-800-4-HOME-TV.
Thanks, Victor, for reminding me about the film.
John_N
Thank you for the info. I will follow up.We watched the Ivan the Terrible part II tonight, and it was incredible. Next to the Nevsky it shows the real power of Eisenstein's talent. Simply jaw-dropping scenes, with horror portrayed so vividly you get deeper and deeper into your seat...
Part II is immesurably stronger than part I, and they were just few years apart - incredible development of Eisenstein as artist. Incredible.
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