Battleship Potemkin

Sticking with the early film era, and delving deeper into one of the most innovative films of it’s time, the silent Soviet-era film Battleship Potemkin. Lauded for it’s poignant direction, Potemkin is often cited among the best movies of all time and consistently referenced and studied for its technique. With a lot of movies of this time, especially ones without sound, there is a tendency to look back and upon viewing, be confused how it can still be referred to as a “Great” film. In the vastly different structure of todays movies, its nearly unfathomable to think of a time before sound was instituted. And thus, the thought of watching a Silent film seems more of a tedious chore. But with this film, it’s technical direction by Sergei Eisenstein in a time when such scenes were unheard of, is the highlight that gives this film it’s lasting impact.

Battleship Potemkin retells the true story of a mutiny by members of the Russian Navy during the Sino-Japanese War, An act that has been viewed by historians as the first step toward the eventual Russian Revolution of 1917. At the center, is sailor Grigory Vakulenchuk (Aleksandr Antonov) who after being forced to eat spoiled meat, and watch as 30 fellow sailors are about to be executed for their refusal, leads an attack on the outnumbered officers aboard the ship. Although theres no sound and any dialogue is relayed by Intertitles, Grigory’s frustration and anger is clearly displayed by Antonov and you can feel the rest of the sailors tension. This is accomplished by the quick cuts to members of the crew throughout the entire film. A key instrument in the construction of the tension, this technique is deployed beautifully by Eisenstein and there are several highlighted shots that stand out. A shot of a deceased officers glasses hanging on a thread during the chaotic battle, several sailors clamoring up and down ropes, bodies splashing into the water, and a personal favorite, the shot of two stone lions looking fearful just as the Imperial Navy’s cannons are about to fire on the port of Odessa.

In the final climatic scene, a demonstration of protestors gathered in the port of Odessa are riled up about the funeral of the heroic Vakulenchuk, and to quell the congregation, a group of Cossacks arrive and begin firing on the helpless crowd. The entire chaos is an often cited classic scene and also known as one of the best in cinema history. In part for it’s compassionate and enduring shot of a woman with a baby carriage atop the steps, in the heat of the fire, the carriage slipping loose and tumbling down the steps. (when viewing this scene the first time, it immediately comes to mind how it may have influenced another iconic scene of a similar nature from the 1987 film The Untouchables.) For it’s portrayal of lowly common folk going up against the ruthless tyranny of their government, the historical event and film are cited as an early tool of Soviet propaganda, but nonetheless a pioneering display of filmmaking creativity. Although the idea of watching a silent film could seem rather odd by today’s standards, spending just over 70 minutes to watch an influential piece of filmmaking history is a good place to start.

Directed By: Sergei Eisenstein

Starring: Aleksandr Antonov, Grigory Aleksandrov

Runtime: 75 minutes Release Date: 1925