October

My first Sergei Eisenstein film. We talked about him so much in film class that I felt I'd already seen one of his films. Finally seeing one was a revelation -- there's a reason the man was a genius! As might be imagined, this is the story of the 1917 October Revolution in Russia, re-enacted in all the same places by the filmmaker. Eisenstein proves he is a master of montage, juxtaposing images of harps when peace is discussed or the statue of a baby when the revolution is in its infancy. While the revolution seems strangely devoid of bloodshed (was it really this peaceful?), the story is engaging and surprisingly easy to follow, with all its factions and intrigues. I found it bizarre that the film had a sound effects and music score (Shostakovich) soundtrack, it being billed as a silent film, but at least the score helped keep me engaged. The biggest surprise was the ending scenes in which the Bolsheviks overrun the palace. Hollywood action film directors would do well to take a page from this film (book). Large crowds, explosions, tons of props. I'm sure it's more expensive today, but it couldn't have been more complex. Eisenstein more than pulls it off with a fluidity and grace that is eye-opening. I also think the film's subject is relevant today as well. Watch for the looting at the end...

original title: Oktyabr
year: 1927
length: 103 min.
rating: 3.5
IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0018217/combined