Cast
View AllRodam Chelidze
as Volodia Mayakovsky
Akaki Khorava
as Mayakovsky's father
Nina Shaternikova
as Mother
Antonina Maksimova
as Lyudmila
Emiliya Sudakova
as Olya
Guram Tsereteli
as Arsena
Zurab Laperadze
as Mikho
Edisher Magalashvili
as David
Igor Vladimirov
as Vasiliev
Mikheil Kvarelashvili
as Akaki Tsereteli
Irine Magalashvili
as Nato
Enriko Ghaghanidze
as Lado Meskhishvili
Akaki Vasadze
as Alikhanov-Avarski
Lazare Kazaishvili
as Kokorev
Lyudvig Zakrzhevskiy
as Kolpakov
Crew
Director
- Konstantine Pipinashvili
Writer
- Lev Kassil
- Konstantine Pipinashvili
- Karlo Gogodze
Producer
- Vakhtang Oziashvili
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, This Is How Mayakovsky Began 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 Konstantine Pipinashvili 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 1959, 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 This Is How Mayakovsky Began took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 76 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1959, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While This Is How Mayakovsky Began shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dance First, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, This Is How Mayakovsky Began subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Yasuko, Songs of Days Past and Mirza Ghalib explore similar territory, This Is How Mayakovsky Began 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: August 24, 1959
- Runtime: 1h 35m
