Movie spotlight
Petersburg Nights
A loose Communist adaptation of a Dostoyevsky novel. The serf Egor Efimov, a talented violinist, dreams of true art. Released by his landlord, he goes to the capital. But cold, bureaucratic St. Petersburg quickly destroys his illusions.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 19th-century St. Petersburg, a young woman named Anna becomes entangled with a charismatic but enigmatic artist named Dimitri. Their passionate affair unfolds against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal desires. As their relationship deepens, Anna finds herself increasingly drawn into Dimitri's bohemian world, leading to a dramatic confrontation with her own fate.
Critical Reception
The film was not widely released or critically reviewed in its time, making its reception difficult to ascertain. It is considered a lesser-known work by Jean Epstein, often overshadowed by his more avant-garde French productions.
What Reviewers Say
A visually atmospheric piece with a melancholic tone.
Explores themes of love, art, and societal constraint.
Often overlooked in Epstein's filmography.
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Fun Fact
Petersburg Nights (1934) is actually a re-edited version of the 1933 Soviet film 'Evening of the Worker' by director Georgy Tasin, with added scenes and new direction by Jean Epstein.
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