Little Tragedies
Little Tragedies

Movie spotlight

Little Tragedies

1980
Movie
240 min
Russian

Based on Pushkin's "Little Tragedies" ("The Miserly Knight", "Mozart and Salieri", "The Stone Guest", "A Feast in the Time of Plague").

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Director: Mikhail SchweitzerGenres: Drama, History

Plot Summary

This Soviet film is a dramatic adaptation of Alexander Pushkin's collection of five short dramatic works, known as the "Little Tragedies." It explores themes of ambition, jealousy, fate, and the darker aspects of human nature through interconnected, intense character studies. The narratives delve into philosophical questions about creativity, morality, and the consequences of human desires.

Critical Reception

The film is a significant work in Soviet cinema, lauded for its faithful yet compelling adaptation of Pushkin's iconic plays. It is often praised for its strong performances, particularly from Vladimir Vysotsky in his final film role, and its evocative direction. The film resonated with audiences for its intellectual depth and exploration of timeless human themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful and intellectually stimulating adaptation of Pushkin's classic works.

  • Features standout performances, especially from the legendary Vladimir Vysotsky.

  • Visually striking and thematically rich, offering profound insights into human nature.

Google audience: Audience reception is generally positive, with viewers appreciating the film's artistic merit and its faithful rendition of Pushkin's profound literary works. It is often cited as a significant cultural artifact of Soviet cinema.

Fun Fact

This film marked the final appearance of the iconic Soviet singer-songwriter and actor Vladimir Vysotsky, who passed away shortly after its release.

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