Review of Battleship Potemkin (1925) by Simeon D — 15 Jul 2010
It took me many years to finally get to see this, and when I did it wasn't what I expected, and so I was a smidge disappointed. Now, having seen it again, I can appreciate it much more. It would definitely help if I knew more about Russian history -- and I'm 1/4 Russian...go figure.
Anyway, much of the attention to this film goes to the massacre scenes on the Odessa steps. While I won't deny the power of that sequence, that's not what moved me. The rebellion scenes on the ship -- the poor living conditions, the cruelty of the leadership, the maggots in the meat -- that's what I remember. But most of all are the scenes on the docks where the dead sailor is lying in state inside the tent. The cinematography of those scenes is mesmerizing. I had remembered that from my first viewing, and the scenes were even more beautiful the second time around.
My admittedly lean experience wih Russian films -- including Solaris and Ballad of a Solider -- has so far been positive. I look forward to more.
This review of Battleship Potemkin (1925) was written by Simeon D on 15 Jul 2010.
Battleship Potemkin has generally received very positive reviews.
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