Movie spotlight
A Hero of Our Time
Loosely based on a section of Mikhail Lermontov's classic Russian novel of the same title, the film involves a displaced cowboy (played by Kevin Jarre, the screenwriter of Rambo), a sociopathic record producer (Dennis Hopper) and, caught between them, a gum-chewing valley girl who would rather be somewhere else (Natalie Zimmerman). Lermontov's 19th century novel leaves a vapor trail on the action, but A Hero of Our Time is more precisely a portrait of contemporary Los Angeles, a tale of wayward heroism played out against a landscape of yearning and desolation. Director/writer Michael Almereyda, whose screenplay for Wim Wenders' Until the End of the World will be produced this year, completed principal photography for A Hero of Our Time in October of 1985. Dennis Hopper's participation occurred during a break in the filming of Blue Velvet.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young Soviet army officer, Valentin, returns home after his service. He struggles to readjust to civilian life and the expectations placed upon him. He faces complications with his relationships and his future, leading to introspection about his identity and place in society.
Critical Reception
The film received a modest reception, praised for its portrayal of post-military adjustment and the emotional struggles of its protagonist. However, some critics found its pacing slow and its narrative somewhat conventional for its time.
What Reviewers Say
The film offers a sensitive depiction of a young man's struggle to find his footing after military service.
Dmitri Kharatyan delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted protagonist.
Some viewers found the film's exploration of post-service ennui to be relatable, while others wished for a more dynamic plot.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'A Hero of Our Time' are scarce, but those available suggest appreciation for its realistic portrayal of youth and societal pressures in the Soviet era. The film's introspective nature was noted, with some finding it thought-provoking and others finding it somewhat uneventful.
Fun Fact
The film is based on a novella by the same name, often considered a precursor to Lermontov's famous novel, though this film's narrative differs.
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