Where Nation Appears in Lead...

Rating: 9/10 (12 December 2010)

While analyzing the historic directors and movies, one cannot ignore the important influence of the Russian productions. Although the films, for the new reality that came with 1917, were a powerful means of revolution propaganda, some productions can boast unique features that could not even be traced back in the Hollywood silent era. The name that constituted a milestone of that period in the Soviet Union was, undoubtedly, Sergei Eisenstein, the sort of "Russian D.W. Griffith." He is not only famous for having made movies concerning the distant history, like IVAN THE TERRIBLE or Alexander NEWSKY, but also for having directed the powerful pro-revolutionary production like this one, the silent movie that still overwhelms viewers in a unique way.
The most striking feature that BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN can boast are not the revolutionary ideas, which brought quite different things in later history, but the artistically innovative merits of the movie. Foremost, it refers to the use of camera and the stunning images that call viewers' attention in an unforgettable way. Here, there is a special need to mention the iconic moments presenting the inhabitants of Odessa and the powerful, still very dramatic depiction of the Odessa steps tragedy. The faces of the people, the whole tension, the camera close-ups of the growing terror in people's reactions and faces, the focus on fists and teary eyes are particularly believable. They still shock, they still depress, they still create a unique horror in the viewers' perceptions: you see a mother with a dying child, you see people who helplessly and vainly try to beg the robot-like army of slayers for mercy; you see the tramping boots that unemotionally move on and on and a perambulator with a baby sleighing down the steps after the mother has just been shot to death...I admit that this scene touched me most and left a lasting impact in my memory.
Another great merit and uniqueness of the film is the fact that it is not any vehicle for some important cast, it does not feature anybody eminent. On the contrary, it is a movie where a nation becomes a hero, where there are people who are at the focus. That makes it a true story of the 1905 uprising and perfectly crafts the developing wrath in equal brothers who struggle against the cruelty and ignorance of their commanders. In that respect, I do not hesitate to say that BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN does a better job than the American top notch production of later years, MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (surely, the intentions hidden behind are different in case of Eisenstein). It is really the people who fight together (in a propaganda way). There are no single stories, no emphasis on single events but a mutual aim...something very communist, on the one hand, but something that is beautifully executed thanks to Eisenstein's unique handling.
Consider, for instance the scene when the rotten meat is given to the sailors - the concrete reason for their radical "no"...there is a wonderfully logical link with the later question of the commander: "Who liked the soup?" Immediately we see the faces of people, the growing rage and the revolutionary ideals brought into real actions. I believe this must have created a very powerful impact in the viewers of that time due to this masterful depiction. The film must have done a convincing job in promoting the new Russian reality. But my aim is not to evaluate difficult paths of history but merely see it as a cinema production, a silent production.
And in that respect, I say with honesty and certainty: WELL WORTH SEEING! No important content, no great stars nor terrific performances; yet a significant production of the silent era and a powerful IMAGE that will truly remain in your memory.