Cast
View All
Leonhard Merzin
as Andrey Dorokhov - starshyy sledovatel ugolovnogo rozyska
Vladimir Gerasimov
as Matushkin - leytenant militsii
Olga Prokhorova
as Valentina Prilepskaya - sozhitelnitsa Kopylova
Rostislav Yankovsky
as Anton Belov
Boris Shcherbakov
as Boris Kopylov
Viktor Proskurin
as Gennadiy Potapov
Yuri Astafyev
as Nikolay Makeyev
Tamara Chernova
as Shustova - mama Olega
Aleksandr Vergunov
as Oleg Shustov
Mikhail Petrov
as Zenkovich - taksist
Galina Makarova
as Nadya - domrabotnitsa professora Jakobsona
Vera Titova
as Vera Yatsevich - kassir
Nadezhda Sementsova
as Vera Petrovna - expert-kriminalist
Boris Vladomirsky
as Kostya - voditel-okhrannik
Pavel Vinnik
as Kapitan militsii - kollega Dorokhova
Crew
Director
- Boris Shadurskiy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Exercise with Three Unknowns represents a fascinating example of Crime/Mystery/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 Boris Shadurskiy 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 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Exercise with Three Unknowns took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 128 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: December 13, 1979
- Runtime: 2h 8m