“Lenin in October”, 2010
Director: Evgeny Ruman
This Soviet film directed by Dmitri Vasilyev and Mikhail Romm focuses on the events leading up to and including the October Revolution of 1917. It presents a heroic image of Lenin, emphasizing his leadership and strategy during this critical period in Russian history.
Starring: Alexander Senderovich, Vladimir Friedman, Yitzhak Peker, Avi Grainik, Geny Fleysher, Steve Kotler, Avishag Milo;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: comedy;
Duration: 50 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Lenin in October” on the website imdb.com
“Taurus”, 2022
Director: Tim Sutton
Directed by Alexander Sokurov, this film offers a more personal and introspective look at Lenin's final years, focusing on his struggles with illness and his reflection on the outcomes of his revolution. It's a part of Sokurov's power trilogy, delving into the inner world of Lenin as he confronts his legacy and the realization of his utopian dreams.
Starring: Machine Gun Kelly, Maddie Hasson, Scoot McNairy, Megan Fox, Ruby Rose, Sara Silva, Zaria, Demetrius «Lil Meech» Flenory, Luis Da Silva Jr., Avery Tiiu Essex;
Production year: 2022;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,6;
More information about the film “Taurus” on the website imdb.com
These films provide a range of perspectives on Lenin, from glorifications of his revolutionary activities to critical reflections on the consequences of his ideologies. Whether portrayed as a champion of the working class or a controversial historical figure, Lenin remains a subject of fascination and debate in cinema.
In analyzing the myriad of films about Lenin, we confront not merely a succession of historical biopics but a kaleidoscope through which the indelible imprint of one of the 20th century's most pivotal figures is explored, critiqued, and mythologized. Spanning across different countries, eras, and ideological landscapes, these films collectively offer a multifaceted portrayal of Lenin that oscillates between reverence and revilement. Whether through the lens of Soviet glorification or through the critical eyes of contemporary filmmakers, Lenin emerges as a complex character whose ideals, decisions, and actions continue to provoke, inspire, and divide audiences worldwide. Ultimately, the enduring fascination with Lenin in cinema underscores his inextricable role in shaping modern history and his lasting legacy as a symbol of revolution and controversy. Through these films, viewers are invited not only to witness history but to engage with the perpetual debate over the nature of leadership, the price of change, and the power of an idea.
