Dni zatměnija

I like the broad Russian soul and Sokurov. I might also not resist deeper dimensions of existence, but as an atheist and materialist, I had a problem digesting the fact that this film, which is about the search for a solid anchor of the human identity, is anchored in the familiar Christian harbor. The symbolism is striking, so let us recap some of it (spoilers): the entire film takes place in the desert, the location of the Old and New Testaments, metaphors of detachment from all earthly ephemeral goods - there is only barren land, man, and heaven, just like in the doctor's final epiphany (with his gaze upward...). When the dead Snegovoy talks about a circle on the autopsy table which, when crossed, we lose everything but gain something new, it evokes, for example, this: "And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.." (Matthew 19:29). This motif is actually manifested in the doctor's story, who gradually gets rid of everything (especially by burning those worthless papers...). The presence of the little Jesus on the canvas puts the finishing touch to it...But there are many more such symbols and explicit references. Nevertheless, it is a very profound film, moreover with beautiful camera work and overall visual aesthetics. Furthermore, for lovers of the fairy tale about totalitarianism, it will be incomprehensible how the communist regime could allow a film about the search for God, where all worldly power is portrayed as ephemeral (another biblical motif - the Russian/Soviet empire as the successor of the Roman empire) and where the Marxist-Leninist symbols literally crumble to dust. (16.11.2014)

It seems like I missed quite a bit from this film, but I was a bit disappointed that it was presented as sci-fi, completely unnecessarily, I might add, because this is simply a contemplation, albeit with a plot, about what human existence is. I like the use of visual elements and technology, especially the filters, but this isn't a film that could capture my interest and convince me to watch it again. (01.12.2016)