Squaring the Circle
Squaring the Circle

Movie spotlight

Squaring the Circle

1984
Movie
115 min
English

An account of how Lech Walesa and the "Solidarity" trade union confronted the might of Communist dictatorship in Poland.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Mike HodgesGenres: Drama, History

Plot Summary

This historical drama chronicles the lives and intertwined fates of three prominent Soviet artists: avant-garde painter Kazimir Malevich, constructivist sculptor Naum Gabo, and revolutionary filmmaker Dziga Vertov. Set against the backdrop of tumultuous early 20th-century Russia, the film explores their artistic journeys, their struggles with the oppressive Soviet regime, and the personal sacrifices they made in pursuit of their creative visions. It delves into the complex relationship between art, ideology, and survival in a period of immense social and political upheaval.

Critical Reception

Squaring the Circle received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its ambitious scope and the performances of its cast, particularly Ken Stott and Rupert Everett. However, some found the film to be uneven in its pacing and narrative focus, struggling to fully capture the complexity of the historical figures and their era. Audience reception was generally appreciative of its artistic themes and historical context.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its artistic exploration and strong performances.

  • Criticized by some for its narrative structure and uneven pacing.

  • Appreciated for its depiction of a significant period in Soviet art history.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this film, but general sentiment suggests appreciation for its historical subject matter and the portrayal of artistic struggles.

Fun Fact

The film was originally conceived as a television play before being expanded into a feature film.

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