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The End of St. Petersburg

The End of St. Petersburg (1927)

Dec 13, 1927 1h 14m Drama

Shortly before the outbreak of WWI, a peasant from rural Russia arrives in St. Petersburg to find work.

Directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Vsevolod Pudovkin

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The End of St. Petersburg examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Vsevolod Pudovkin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1927, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The End of St. Petersburg took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 94 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1251 individual shots.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1927, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The End of St. Petersburg shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Eight Miles High, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The End of St. Petersburg subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Animal Farm and The Innocence explore similar territory, The End of St. Petersburg stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 13, 1927
  • Runtime: 1h 14m

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