171. Ivan the Terrible (Ivan Grozny) (1944-46)

Directed By Sergei Eisenstein

Synopsis

Ivan the Terrible's solidification of power and his fight against the Boyars.

Review

Eisenstein's amazing film Ivan the Terrible is actually an unfinished work of which only two parts were made. While watching this you can tell that Eisenstein was much more comfortable in the silent medium than in sound, but this does not mean that he doesn't make something astonishing.

Eisenstein's silent roots are exactly what make this film great, the importance of image is very much a thing here, while other film-makers shunned it for the easier option of using dialogue to say what previously was said in images, there is no such laziness for Eisenstein.

The visuals are thoroughly spectacular, not only the directing with its expert use of shadows and symbolism but also in the sets, wardrobe etc. etc. and some amazing use of colour towards the end. I would actually like to see where he could have gone with colour. Unfortunately he died before he could do that.

Yes at times the acting is overly theatrical and visual but it strangely works in a film which is so dark, grotesque and infused with tragedy. There is really very little to quibble with, this is a film of undiminished brilliance. There will be image after image that will stay with you for ever. Fucking feast of the senses this was.

Final Grade

10/10

Trivia

From Wikipedia:

The first film, Ivan The Terrible, Part I, was filmed between 1942 and 1944 and released at the end of that year. The film presented Ivan as a national hero, and won Josef Stalin's approval (and even a Stalin Prize).

The second film, Ivan The Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot, finished filming at Mosfilm in 1946. However, it was not approved by the government, because it depicted Ivan as less of a hero and more of a paranoid tyrant, a parallel Stalin did not appreciate. The film was banned by Stalin, and did not get its first screening until 1958, five years after his death.

The third part, which began filming in 1946, was not completed. All footage from the film was confiscated, and most of it destroyed (though several filmed scenes still exist today).

The score for the films was composed by Sergei Prokofiev.

Ivan is portrayed as a bird, with his robes acting as his wings, the constant thrusting and tilting of his head, and the feathery like nature of his hair and beard. The bird symbolism will shift from prey to predatory throughout the films.

Efrosinia is portrayed like a snake, to re-enforce her evil nature. Camera shots always have her coming from the floor up, much like a snake coils up to attack. Her clothing is always black, a traditionally evil color, and she wears a head covering giving her the appearance of a snake's bald head.

Alexei is portrayed as a dog to emphasize his loyalty. His hair is designed to mimic a dog's long, floppy ears, as well as his general mannerisms.


Some church scenes from the film: