Cast
View AllCédric Tourbe
as Self - Narrator (voice)
Dmitry Tokarev
as Self (voice)
Leon Trotsky
as Self (archive footage)
Lavrentiy Beria
as Self (archive footage)
Felix Dzerzhinsky
as Self (archive footage)
Vyacheslav Menzhinsky
as Self (archive footage)
Genrikh Yagoda
as Self (archive footage)
Joseph Stalin
as Self (archive footage)
Nikolai Yezhov
as Self (archive footage)
Kliment Voroshilov
as Self (archive footage)
Vyacheslav Molotov
as Self (archive footage)
Anastas Mikoyan
as Self (archive footage)
Lazar Kaganovich
as Self (archive footage)
Mikhail Kalinin
as Self (archive footage)
Nikita Khrushchev
as Self (archive footage)
Crew
Director
- Cédric Tourbe
Writer
- Olivia Gomolinski
- Cédric Tourbe
Producer
- Stanisław Zaborowski
- Alexandre Hallier
- Jérémy Pouilloux
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Stalin and the Katyn Massacre represents a fascinating example of Documentary/History/TV Movie 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 Cédric Tourbe 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 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Stalin and the Katyn Massacre took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 278 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Stalin and the Katyn Massacre shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Man Who Cracked the Nazi Code: The Story of Alan Turing, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Stalin and the Katyn Massacre subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Alice Rose and Reds explore similar territory, Stalin and the Katyn Massacre 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: February 18, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 38m
Where to Watch
