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A Personal Affair

A Personal Affair (1932)

Apr 24, 1932 1h 13m Drama

The best bell-ringer of the church Fedor Kuzmich Shtukov becomes the foreman of production at the shipyard. Communists and Komsomol members are trying to persuade Fedor to forget about the church, but in vain. Daughter Anna laughs in the face of her father - and in vain too. But when the plant desperately needed a scarce metal, Shtukov, painfully thinking about his native plant, supported the proposal of one of the workers to cast the billet from the church bell, and the vessel was ready for launch on time.

Directed by Georgi Vasilyev

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Georgi Vasilyev
  • Sergey Vasilev
Writer
  • Aleksandr Chirkov

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, A Personal Affair 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 Georgi Vasilyev 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 1932, 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 A Personal Affair took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 73 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1932, when this film was released:
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • 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 A Personal Affair shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Two Weeks, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Personal Affair subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Sins of Rosanne and Beyond explore similar territory, A Personal Affair 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: April 24, 1932
  • Runtime: 1h 13m