Russian symphony

Russia/France, 1994

Lenfilm, 2P&K’ in co-operation with: Orient Expresse (Paris), J. Kamandar, Roskomkino

115 min.

Unrestricted fantasy (mystery)

This time Konstantin Lopushansky demonstrates today’s «Apocalypse» - the Apocalypse existing in the soul of a Russian intellectual - the leading character – who makes a decision to save children from the terrible ordeals they find themselves in Russia. But it is impossible to find any solution in the world of a nightmarish reality connected by continuous exchanges, eluding motifs, and inexplicable actions. The hero does not strive for power in this film, but achieves it in the end - it is inevitable. The producer believes this is a reflection of the main dilemma of Russian intellectuals.

Konstantin Lopushansky: «The subject of this film is a meditation upon our times. Nowadays, when the dust of the Empire’s destruction has settled, I wish to show the specific picture after the battle, and to show not just the political aspects in the foreground but rather the mysterious religious meaning of history, that is the subject that Russian Art should focus on, in my opinion. I would describe this film as a metaphysical portrait of Russia in its past, present and future… In contrast with the «Letters of a dead man» that predicted some real events; and with «Museum Visitor», which is a religious drama; my «Russian Symphony» is a Soviet Apocalypse of a dying Empire».

Extract from interview of K. Lopushansky with Asya Krukova of the «Kadr» newspaper, 06.07.1994

... Though there are intensive philosophical reflections in the films of Lopushansky, these films obviously present something much more thrilling than ancient historical epics or poorly made thrillers about racketeers. They are thrilling because they are based on a vivacious and critical producer’s imagination, which is unrestricted by definition. This production would have been much more interesting if the required money have been found for «Russian Symphony» in time. However, even the part that was completed is sufficient to reject the claims that can be made against «Letters of a Dead Man» or the «Museum Visitor». Life itself, chaotic and captivating, has burst into the movies of Lopushansky. The producer’s style has become more severe and organic.

«Seance» No. 1997, Mikhail TROFIMENKOV

Prizes and Awards

1994

«La symphonie russe ou reves d’apocalypse», «Russische Symphonie»

Production: Lenfilm, 2P & K0 (Russia), Russian Film Committee, Orient Express (France), Arte-ZDF (France/Germany), Interfilm (Germany). Premiered at Montreal International Film Festival

1995

Awards: The Ecumenical Jury Prize of the Forum program at the 45th International Festival in Berlin.

CREW

• Konstantin Lopushansky (Script, Film director)
• Andrey Sigle (Composer)
• Larisa Shilova (Art Director)
• Nikolai Pokoptsev (Photography director)
• Lidia Kriukova (Costume designer)

CAST

• Viktor Mikhailov
• Valentin Golubenko
• Valentina Kovel
• Valeriy Garkalin
• Nora Gryakalova
• Nikolay Levykin
• Alexey Ingelevitch
• Kira Kreylis-Petrova
• Mikhail Khrabrov
• Natalya Akimova
• Alexander Ilyin