Cast
View AllBoris Livanov
as Maxim Yatsenko
Vasiliy Livanov
as Pyotr
Marianna Strizhenova
as Anna Mikhailovna
Larisa Kurdyumova
as Evelina
Yuri Puzyryov
as Joachim
Aleksei Gribov
as Fyodor Kandyba
Sergei Blinnikov
as Stavruchenko
Viktor Murganov
as Ilya
Vadim Grachov
as Andrei
Nikita Kondratyev
as Kuzma
Nikolay Kozinin
as bell ringer
Aleksandr Smirnov
as Popelsky
Sergei Shestopalov
as Pyotr in childhood
Marina Kurakova
as Evelina - devochka
Crew
Director
- Tatyana Lukashevich
Writer
- Iosif Manevich
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Blind Musician 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 Tatyana Lukashevich 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 1961, 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 Blind Musician took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 225 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1961, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Blind Musician shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Battle: Freestyle, which focuses more on action than character development, The Blind Musician subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Candyman and The Right Stuff explore similar territory, The Blind Musician stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: March 20, 1961
- Runtime: 1h 15m