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Released in 2002, Russian Ark drew astonished praise for its technique: shot with a Steadicam  in one ninety-six-minute take, it presented a dazzling whirl of movement as it followed the Marquis de Custine as he wandered through the vast Winter Palace in St. Petersburg--and through three hundred years of Russian history.             This companion to Russian Ark addresses all key aspects of the film, beginning with a comprehensive synopsis, an in-depth analysis, and an account of the production history. Birgit Beumers goes on from there to discuss the work that went into the now-legendary Steadicam shot--which required two thousand actors and three orchestras--and she also offers an account of the film's critical and public reception, showing how it helped to establish director Aleksandr Sokurov as perhaps the leading filmmaker in Russia today.

Filmed in1966 and '67, but kept from release for twenty years, The Commissar is unquestionably one of the most important and compelling films of the Soviet era. Based on a short story by Vasily Grossman, it tells of a female Red Army commissar who is forced to stay with a Jewish family near the frontlines of the battle between the Red and White Armies as she waits to give birth. The film drew the ire of censors for its frank portrayal of the violence faced by Russian Jews in the wake of the revolution.             This book is the first companion to the film in any language. It recounts the film's plot and turbulent production history, and it also offers a close analysis of the artistic vision of the film's director, Aleksandr Askoldov, and the ways that viewers can trace in the film not only his complex aesthetics, but also the personal crises he endured in the years leading up to the film. The result is an indispensable companion to an unforgettable film.

Released in 1965, Sergei Paradjanov's Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is a landmark of Soviet-era cinema - yet, because its emphasis on folklore and mysticism in traditional Carpathian Hutsul culture broke with Soviet realism, it caused Paradjanov to be blacklisted soon after its release. This book is the first full-length companion to the film. In addition to a synopsis of the plot and a close analysis of the many levels of symbolism in the film, it offers a history of the film's legendarily troubled production process (which included Paradjanov challenging a cinematographer to a duel). The book closes with an account of the film's reception by critics, ordinary viewers and Soviet officials, and the numerous controversies that have kept it a subject of heated debate for decades. An essential companion to a fascinating, complicated work of cinema art, this book will be invaluable to students, scholars and regular film buffs alike. A list of all books in the series is here on the Intellect website on the series page KinoSputnik

Andrei Tarkovsky's 1962 Ivan's Childhood marked a pivotal moment for Soviet 'poetic cinema' and launched the career of an artist now considered a towering figure of Russian culture. A thorough analysis of this debut film through a close examination of the narrative structure, stylistic approach and philosophical underpinnings 25 b/w film stills.

Fedor Bondarchuk's 2013 blockbuster film Stalingrad shattered box-office records and dazzled viewers with its use of special effects, enhanced by its 3D IMAX format, and transported audiences back to 1942. Examines the production, context and reception of the film, whilst offering a detailed reading of its key themes. 25 b/w film stills, 1 cartoon.

Balabanov's Brother (1997) made a mark on the new Russia's film history as its hero Danila Bagrov quickly gained cult status and the nostalgic rock soundtrack was a hit with the young post-Soviet generation. This study examines the ingenious mixture of genre elements, art narration and almost documentary-style realism. 25 b/w film stills.