Watch Chagall-Malevich
- 2015
- 1 hr 59 min
-
5.9 (127)
Chagall-Malevich is a 2014 Russian historical drama directed by Alexander Mitta. The movie is a fascinating biopic that tells the story of the renowned Russian artists, Marc Chagall, and Kazimir Malevich. The film takes place in 1917 during World War I and the Russian Revolution and explores the competition and collaboration between two of the greatest modernist artists of the 20th Century.
The film opens with the young, struggling artist Marc Chagall (played by Leonid Bichevin) arriving in Vitebsk, his hometown. Chagall meets Bella (played by Kristii Schneider), who becomes his muse and inspires much of his work. Chagall and Bella are in love, but their relationship is complicated as she is already engaged to someone else.
Chagall becomes a part of the vibrant, artistic community in Vitebsk, and one day he meets Kazimir Malevich (played by Anatoliy Belyy), who challenges his artistic beliefs. Malevich is a talented and ambitious artist, who dreams of creating art that never existed before. Malevich believes in the supremacy of abstract art, while Chagall believes in making art that is relatable to the masses. Malevich wants to transcend the visible world, while Chagall wants to make the world beautiful.
Despite their differences, Chagall and Malevich become close friends and allies, and they help each other in their artistic careers. Chagall's fame grows, and he is commissioned to paint murals for the People's Commissariat for Education in Moscow. Malevich is invited to create an exhibition in Petrograd, which he sees as his opportunity to change the art world forever.
As the movie progresses, the tension between Chagall and Malevich grows, and their artistic rivalry becomes more intense. Malevich's success causes him to become arrogant and egotistical, while Chagall becomes disillusioned with the communist regime and the direction of the modernist movement. Their friendship begins to fracture, and their different beliefs about art, politics, and life become irreconcilable.
Chagall-Malevich is more than just a movie about two artists. It is a story about the struggle of the individual in a world that is changing rapidly. The movie is a reflection of the cultural and political turmoil that defined Russia in the early 20th Century. It explores the relationship between art and politics, power and creativity, and tradition and innovation. The movie raises important questions about the role of art in society and the morality of pursuing fame and success at any cost.
The acting in the movie is superb, particularly from Bichevin and Belyy, who give nuanced and grounded performances. Kristii Schneider is also excellent as Bella, who is torn between her love for Chagall and her loyalty to her fiancé. The cinematography is beautiful, and the movie captures the surreal and vivid imagery of Chagall's paintings. The soundtrack is also exceptional, featuring a mix of classical and contemporary music.
Chagall-Malevich is a thought-provoking and engaging movie that tells an important story about art, history, and humanity. The movie is a tribute to the two iconic artists and their contributions to the art world. It is a must-watch for anybody interested in the history of art, Russian culture, or the intersection of politics and creativity. The movie is a testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and change the world.
In conclusion, Chagall-Malevich is a masterpiece that showcases the talents of some of Russian cinema's finest actors, directors, and writers. The movie is a landmark achievement in the biopic genre, and it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Marc Chagall and Kazimir Malevich. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates great storytelling and the power of art to change the world.