Cast
View AllYevgeni Shapin
as The Tobacco Captain
Natalya Fateeva
as Natasha
Vladlen Davydov
as Pyotr I, the Tsar
Viktor Krivonos
as Anton Svinyin
Lyudmila Gurchenko
as The hotel keeper
Nikolay Trofimov
as
Sergei Filippov
as
Georgiy Vitsin
as
Marina Politseymako
as
Nikolay Gavrilov
as
Andrei Davydov
as graf Korsakov
Crew
Director
- Igor Usov
Writer
- Vladimir Vorobyov
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Tobacco Captain represents a fascinating example of Romance/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Igor Usov 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1972, 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 Tobacco Captain took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Tobacco Captain shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 8 Women, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Tobacco Captain subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Chandramukhi and Havana Rose explore similar territory, The Tobacco Captain 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: December 31, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 22m
