History on Screen - Shaping National Identity in Mikhalkov's Cinema

Shaping National Identity in Mikhalkov's Cinema

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Film
Cover of the book History on Screen - Shaping National Identity in Mikhalkov's Cinema by Robert Stolt, GRIN Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert Stolt ISBN: 9783640632008
Publisher: GRIN Publishing Publication: May 27, 2010
Imprint: GRIN Publishing Language: English
Author: Robert Stolt
ISBN: 9783640632008
Publisher: GRIN Publishing
Publication: May 27, 2010
Imprint: GRIN Publishing
Language: English

Essay from the year 2010 in the subject Film Science, grade: 1,4, University of St Andrews, language: English, abstract: With the dissolution of the Soviet state and the breakdown of Soviet ideologies the question about Russian national identity became a central issue in post-Soviet Russian culture (Horton 2001: 218). By promoting specific values of traditional Soviet ideals, Mikhalkov, in Burnt by the Sun [Mikhalkov, 1994], revives a national ideology and aims to re-establish the Russian national identity in post-Soviet Russia. The film recalls the idea of a distinctive Russian fate that has, admittedly, time and again resulted in political catastrophes, but nevertheless has become the basis of Russian culture having unique status and thus is crucial in forming a contemporary Russian cultural identity (Anemone 2001: 143). By reminding of past traditions and values, the film is devoted to explore what being Russian means (Larson 2003:492). The major attention in this essay lies in exploring the utopian world created by Mikhalkov to establish an illusionistic past with the focus on the national hero. Modern nation-states often feel the need to create a myth of national identity. By doing so it is crucial to have a heroic figure at hand that represents the strengths and potencies of the nation and that people can aspire to and look up to. Such an ideal, however, cannot exist in real life which is why Mikhalkov creates an illusionistic world within reality to allow his heroic figure to flourish. By recalling a heroic Russian past, specifically a Soviet one, Mikhalkov demonstrates his affection to Socialist ideas and his endeavour to bring about a 'new hero of our time' (Larsen 2003: 493); just one as post-Soviet Russia with its national identity being unsettled and uncertain was lacking. Therefore, the second chapter of this essay is dedicated to explore the effects of Mikhalkov's film making that forms a polarity between utopia and reality, with a focus on the time and space structure. Moreover, in the third chapter, an emphasis is placed on the character of Kotov who, as the great family father, embodies the heroic figure that the director has created to re-establish historical ideals. Finally, in a retrospective analysis, the essay will be concluded by drawing a parallel between the Russian cultural crisis and the film's shaping of Russian national identity.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Essay from the year 2010 in the subject Film Science, grade: 1,4, University of St Andrews, language: English, abstract: With the dissolution of the Soviet state and the breakdown of Soviet ideologies the question about Russian national identity became a central issue in post-Soviet Russian culture (Horton 2001: 218). By promoting specific values of traditional Soviet ideals, Mikhalkov, in Burnt by the Sun [Mikhalkov, 1994], revives a national ideology and aims to re-establish the Russian national identity in post-Soviet Russia. The film recalls the idea of a distinctive Russian fate that has, admittedly, time and again resulted in political catastrophes, but nevertheless has become the basis of Russian culture having unique status and thus is crucial in forming a contemporary Russian cultural identity (Anemone 2001: 143). By reminding of past traditions and values, the film is devoted to explore what being Russian means (Larson 2003:492). The major attention in this essay lies in exploring the utopian world created by Mikhalkov to establish an illusionistic past with the focus on the national hero. Modern nation-states often feel the need to create a myth of national identity. By doing so it is crucial to have a heroic figure at hand that represents the strengths and potencies of the nation and that people can aspire to and look up to. Such an ideal, however, cannot exist in real life which is why Mikhalkov creates an illusionistic world within reality to allow his heroic figure to flourish. By recalling a heroic Russian past, specifically a Soviet one, Mikhalkov demonstrates his affection to Socialist ideas and his endeavour to bring about a 'new hero of our time' (Larsen 2003: 493); just one as post-Soviet Russia with its national identity being unsettled and uncertain was lacking. Therefore, the second chapter of this essay is dedicated to explore the effects of Mikhalkov's film making that forms a polarity between utopia and reality, with a focus on the time and space structure. Moreover, in the third chapter, an emphasis is placed on the character of Kotov who, as the great family father, embodies the heroic figure that the director has created to re-establish historical ideals. Finally, in a retrospective analysis, the essay will be concluded by drawing a parallel between the Russian cultural crisis and the film's shaping of Russian national identity.

More books from GRIN Publishing

Cover of the book Is the American Dream for Anybody? by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book Aid Policy and the Politics of Aid. Opportunities and Challenges of the Rise of Chinese Foreign Aid in the Pacific Island Countries by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book Examine the representation of the relationship between language and power inSouth African Literature by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book The adoption of International Accounting Standards in Germany by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book 4 Jahre Enforcement in Deutschland by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book Hong Kong. The self-imposed image of 'laissez-faire' by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book The suitability of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' for the EFL-classroom and possible ways of teaching it by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book Humour theory and practice: A study on a jumping frog by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book Zum Einfluss neuer Cleavages auf die Akkommodation islamischer Immigranten in Westeuropa by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book The importance of Henry Ford in the evolution of modern business practice by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book Time and the Other in the Imperialist Discourse of Kipling and Conrad by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book The theory of federalism revisited: Comments on the preliminary results of the Bundestag and Bundesrat committee on modernising the federal system by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book Creating identity through delimitation: The discussions about lifting the EU's weapons embargo against China by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book Sarah Kane's Role in the In-Yer-Face Theatre by Robert Stolt
Cover of the book The Reformation in Scotland by Robert Stolt
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy