Initial War Film.

Rating: 9/10 (20 April 2016)

Battleship Potempkin (1925): Dir: Serge Eisenstein / Cast: Aleksandr Antonov, Vladimir Barsky, Grigori Aleksandrov, Beatrice Vitoldi, Ivan Bobrov: One of the most important films ever made and has been a major influence for generations of filmmakers. Odessa step sequence has been referenced many times by filmmakers spellbound by its sheer brilliance. The battleship in question is operated by slaves and soldiers who have just returned from war. A revolution begins with sheets thrown over human targets that await judgement. In its most famous sequence civilians file down the Odessa steps with soldiers bearing in from behind. A closeup of a woman who is shot while hovering over a baby carriage that will proceed to bounce down the steps. Director Serge Eisenstein brilliantly places viewers in the middle of chaos. While the performances are fine, the characters face dire situations that are about as enticing as a cannon blast to the hind quarters. The characters placements is to provoke emotion as they are mere observers or subjects to the tragedy whether they be soldiers rebelling aboard the ship due to spoiled meat or civilians fleeing for their lives. This all combine with great technical elements that illustrate the poison of war and its effect on society. It is a tremendous portrait of tragedy that destroys lives of those unable to distance themselves. Score: 9 ½ / 10 / Writing: 100% / Themes: 100% / Acting: 80% / Directing: 100% / Visual: 100%