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Leviathan Review: A Powerful Contemporary Tragedy
Leviathan is a movie you don’t want to miss. Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, this 2014 Russian movie will leave you emotional and reflective. The story revolves around one man’s fight against corruption and the struggle of an individual against a system that seems to be rigged against them. It is a powerful contemporary tragedy with superb cinematography, quality dialogues, and excellent acting performances from the cast.
The Plot
The movie tells the story of Kolya (Aleksey Serebryakov), a mechanic who lives in a small town near the Barents Sea in Russia, who faces an existential crisis that threatens his family and personal life. He is fighting to keep hold of his property as corrupt forces close in on him. The mayor of the town, Vadim (Roman Madyanov), wants Kolya’s land for his own interests, and Kolya is forced to fight back against the mayor and his corrupt officials.
The Cast
The movie’s cast is superb, and each actor delivered a compelling performance. Aleksey Serebryakov, who plays the lead role, delivers a spectacular performance that captures the audience’s attention and keeps it throughout the movie. Elena Lyadova, who plays Kolya’s wife Lilya, is equally impressive in her portrayal of a woman struggling to keep her family together despite mounting pressures.
The Soundtrack
The music in Leviathan serves as an excellent complement to the narrative and scenery. The movie features an original score composed by Philip Glass, which adds to the intense and dramatic feel of the film.
The Cinematography
The cinematography in Leviathan is breathtakingly beautiful. The camera work is extensively used to capture scenes of nature around the town, including stunning views of arctic landscapes and oceanscapes. The director uses these scenic shots to contrast with the corrupt aspects of human society depicted in the movie.
Opinion on Leviathan
Leviathan is one of those movies that will leave you speechless for hours after watching it. The movie’s ability to convey the tragic sense of an individual’s powerlessness in the face of ingrained corruption is remarkable. It is a compelling warning about the destructive potential of unchecked authority and the importance of standing up to it, no matter what. Although it is set in a Russian backdrop, this movie will resonate with anyone who values their freedom and has experienced tragedy resulting from injustice or inequality.
The Evaluation
Leviathan is a well-crafted movie that deserves all the praise it has earned so far. With its excellent cast, beautiful cinematography, and compelling story, Leviathan stands out as one of the finest movies made in recent years. It offers both entertainment and thought-provoking discussion on important topics like justice, loyalty, corruption, and family values.
The Gossip
One gossip that followed the release of Leviathan was that President Putin was not pleased with this critical take on corrupt officials within Russian society. The film was also denounced by some government officials who labeled it anti-Russian propaganda.
The Analysis
Although Leviathan has been praised for its entertainment value and engaging storyline, its ability to convey the bitter reality of Russian politics has made it a controversial movie in some circles. Many have analyzed the film’s message on power, corruption, and society’s moral decay. For example, some critics have drawn comparisons with the Bible’s story of Job and the book of Ecclesiastes in terms of exploring themes surrounding futility, injustice, and the limitations of human nature.
The Special Effects
Unlike many other movies that rely heavily on special effects to create an impact on their audience, Leviathan does not rely much on it. Instead, this movie explores how a strong narrative can make a far more significant impact than flashy graphics ever could. The sound effects are minimal but precise and serve to heighten the emotional intensity during specific scenes.
The Characters
The characters in Leviathan are well-constructed with their unique flaws and strengths. Kolya is shown as a proud man who is not willing to let go of his property even when faced with intense pressure from authorities. However, he also has his weaknesses as a husband and father that become apparent later in the movie.
The Dialogues
The dialogues in Leviathan are top-notch. The conversations between the characters are measured and nuanced, conveying the complex emotions and thoughts of each person. The movie’s ability to convey the story without resorting to exposition or unnecessary dialogue is commendable.
The History
Leviathan is a movie that captures a snapshot of contemporary Russia’s evolution from post-Soviet disintegration through to the Putin era. It highlights how individual freedoms, rule of law and democracy were never deeply embedded in Russia’s political culture, despite the collapse of communism.
The Popularity
Despite its critical acclaim and positive reception at international festivals, Leviathan was not universally popular in Russia due to its bold portrayal of corruption within Russian society. However, it received appreciation from art-house cinema lovers worldwide for its fantastic filmmaking and storyline.
The Criticism
While Leviathan has been praised for many aspects of its filmmaking process, it has also faced criticism for being too bleak, pessimistic, and slow-moving by some critics. However, this criticism overlooks the relevance of the themes that the movie explores and how it conveys them through its narrative.
The Production
Leviathan was produced by Alexander Rodnyansky, who has also produced several other critically acclaimed Russian movies. The director, Andrey Zvyagintsev, co-wrote the movie with Oleg Negin. The film was shot in Kirovsk and Teriberka in Russia and was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
The Editing
The editing in Leviathan is done exceptionally well, and it’s clear from watching the film that much thought went into cutting and pacing. The transitions between scenes are smooth, and each frame contributes to the overall storytelling experience.
Conclusion
Overall, Leviathan is a powerful contemporary tragedy that explores themes of power, corruption, and individualism. It is a thought-provoking movie that will stay with you long after you leave the theater. With its impressive cast, stunning cinematography, and excellent music score, Leviathan makes for an unforgettable cinematic experience.