Review of The Very Same Munchhausen

Phantasmagoria. A free film adaptation of the stories of Rudolf Erich Raspe about the adventures of the notorious Baron Munchausen, staged by the talented Soviet director Mark Zakharov and based on a script by the equally talented Soviet writer and playwright Grigory Gorin. In general, we can say about this picture - a real masterpiece. On this, in principle, you can end the review, but since I am not so used to giving up everything halfway, then let me convey to you my brief opinion - a dreamer against society. In the picture, you will not find a single minus, no matter how hard you try (I tried it myself, but nothing came of it), so I will focus your attention on the expressive advantages of this phantasmagoria. So, here they are: 1. The story told - the picture tells the story of Baron Munchausen, who summons a pastor from distant lands in order to marry his beloved, but one small circumstance prevents him - he has been married for a long time, but his wife ran away from him some time ago. All this gives rise to incredible adventures, as a result of which literally all the inhabitants of the city find themselves involved, against their will. The script only superficially goes through the famous adventures of the baron, but the main concept of this picture is the opposition of the enthusiastic and charming baron with his incredible stories and society, which, frankly, has not changed much over the past few centuries. Society makes fun of the hero, but it is only for him to enjoy. Gorin, through Munchausen, laughs at the stiffness of society with its conservative order and shows it through the prism of a baron who never lies, although it is very difficult to believe in it. Well, the final monologue of the baron - this is the main idea that the screenwriter tried to convey - and how wise and great it is in its simplicity. This is a very clever picture to be watched thoughtfully. Only in this way will its splendor be revealed. 2. Dialogues - they are full of humor, sometimes harsh words (within the bounds of decency), ordinary worldly wisdom and, most importantly, sincerity. For this, we must thank again Grigory Gorin, and of course the actors, whose gagging only adorned this picture. 3. Music - the main melody (Stairway to Heaven) is known to every inhabitant of the former Soviet Union, and to the new generation as well. Composer Alexei Rybnikov has created brilliant music that has been living separately from the picture for how many years, and in the picture emphasizes important moments and gives dynamics to the events. But "Stairway to Heaven" is full of tragedy, hope, confidence and faith in all the brightest and best on this sinful Earth! 4. Wonderful cast - from its listing, real connoisseurs of cinema will salivate and so that you stay with yours, I will list just a few names: Leonid Bronevoy as the duke, Semyon Farada as the commander-in-chief, Leonid Yarmolnik as Theophilus Munchausen, Vladimir Dolinsky as a pastor, Inna Churikova as the baron's wife, Grigory Gorin himself starred in a small role. I hope no one doubts the talent of these legendary actors? Nice! A little about the main character 1. Baron Munchausen performed by Oleg Yankovsky is an extraordinary inventor who is considered crazy by everyone around him. Suffers greatly from ridicule, but tries not to show it. A tragicomic hero, whom you do not immediately understand, but after - you are completely on his side, despite all the obstacles. The ingenious Oleg Ivanovich masterfully embodied the image of the legendary baron, adding his own touch, of course. His baron turned out to be very memorable and in some way even overshadowed the literary source, may the book baron's fans forgive me. Bravo Oleg Ivanovich! 2. Marta performed by Elena Koreneva is the baron's beloved, who extols him, but at a crucial moment - to take the side of society, betraying the baron's ideals. And although this decision is not easy for her (this is evident from her emotions), the viewer understands her motivation and, in part, even pity her. Elena did an excellent job of the role. 3. The burgomaster performed by Igor Kvasha is the head of the city and a friend of the baron, who more than once saves him from too radical antics, although this does not always help. Along with the baron - my favorite heroes of this picture. His soul is tormented by pangs of conscience on the one hand, and on the other hand, by the duty and morality of society. Igor Vladimirovich brilliantly performed this role! There is a "spark" between the actors. They don't play for the camera - they live by their heroes. Boring people will point out bad scenery and a wobbly picture without looking inside the picture, without trying to understand it. I sincerely sympathize with them. Smile, gentlemen! Smile! As a result, we have a masterpiece phantasmagoria about Baron Munchausen, with an excellent story and deep thought, great music and dialogues and amazing acting!