This film was much much different, as we were told, than the Bauer films. Not only were the sets, actors, and plot lines different, but the propaganda was very eminent throughout.
There were a few things that I had questions on. I didn't really follow all of the stories together, I wish that there had been a few more explanations so that I could understand what exactly was going on most of the time when one part would end and another begin. Another thing I wish I could find out is what ever happened to that poor baby! The scene on the Odessa staircase came out of nowhere, and startled me for sure. It was crazy, yet definitely something to remember. I am not familiar with the "baby carriage rolling out of control down the stairs" part, and I would like to know what other films have taken this scene and made it into something of their own!
There were several things that caught my eye in this movie. The mutiny was one of my favorite scenes, along with the end. I truly felt sympathetic for the crewmen, because their higher powers were acting a bit ridiculous. This movie showed VERY well the mixed feelings and different sides (Tsar army on the steps, crowds of people on steps, different ranks of men on boat). From watching this, I cannot wait to see what Soviet propaganda films can do with sound and conversation!!
The film has one continuous story--but Eisenstein chose to break it up into five "parts"--so that it would be something in the style of the traditional five-act plays of Shakespeare, etc. But the difficulty you mention in connecting these separate parts (and wondering whether they might even be separate, individual stories) is something the initial Russian audience might have shared. For while this has become one of the most influential and groundbreaking films ever made--the simple fact was that it wasn't popular with the Soviet moviegoers it was originally intended for!
ReplyDeleteAs for the poor little baby, I think we can safely presume that he is killed by the Cossack's sword (though the camera shifts at the last moment to the shattered eyeglasses of the screaming older lady--almost creating the effect that two people at once are slashed by that sword).
Ahh OK! I can see how that works better now. I am utterly amazed as to how developed and skilled the directors during this time period were...they knew so much about what they wanted to convey, and it was only the beginning of the 20th century!
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