Andrej Tarkovskij: a Cinema Visionary

Translated by Irene Cecchi

For the month of June the Milan movie library organized a fair honoring one of the most influential directors of the 20th century: Andrej Tarkovskij

Andrej Tarkovskij is considered to be one of the greatest directors in the cinema’s history. He was born in Zavrazhye, Russia, on April 4th 1932 and he produced several movies that were destined to deeply influence the film language and the perception of the cinema as art. His unique view of life, movies and spirituality marked history forever, making him a milestone for all those who study or are enthusiasts of the seventh art.

• The importance of Tarkovskij in the Film World

With his poetic and contemplative style, Tarkovskij brought a new dimension in the cinema. His movies are characterized by long frames, a non-linear narrative and deep attention to visual and sound details. This combo allowed him to explore complex and profound themes such as time, memory, spirituality and human existence.

One of the most important aspects of his work is the use of time. Tarkovskij saw the cinema as “the sculpture of time”, a means to capture and manipulate the time perception of the viewer. Its long frames and the slow pace allow meditation, guiding the audience towards a deeper understanding of these existential matters.

• The vision of Life and Cinema

For Tarkovskij, the cinema was a means to explore fundamental life issues. He believed the artist's goal should be to unveil the truth hidden under the surface of appearances. During an interview, he declared: “The cinema always has to face life and reality, it can’t be a mere illusion”.

This philosophy reflects in his movies that are often about faith, sacrifice, redemption and the quest for a meaning.

Spirituality is central in Tarkovskij work: his movies are often described as “spiritual cinema” since they explore a transcendent dimension of human existence. Tarkovskij was very religious and he conferred art the power of revealing the presence of God on hearth.

• Tarkovskij’s movies

Ivan’s Childhood (1962)

Tarkovskij first feature film, “Ivan’s Childhood”, tells the story of a young boy who becomes a reconnaissance operator for the soviet army during the Second World War. This movie is a strong portrait of the loss of innocence and the war brutality. Tarkovskij uses lyrical and symbolic frames to create a moving and poetic vision of the war through a child's eyes.

Andrej Rublëv (1966)

“Andrej Rublëv” is an historical epic that tells the story of a famous Russian painter. The movie explores the artist’s struggle to follow his faith and art in a world full of violence and chaos. With this movie, Tarkovskij delves into universal themes like art making, suffering and redemption.

Solaris (1972)

In “Solaris”, Tarkovskij uses science fiction to explore the human psyche and the nature of love. The movie follows an astronaut who is sent to space where he has to face physical manifestations of his most painful memories. “Solaris” is a meditation about memory, guilt and the possibility of redemption.

Mirror (1975)

“Mirror” is maybe the most personal movie for Tarkovskij. It is an autobiographical fragmented tale that embraces the director's childhood memories and along with historical events. The movie explores themes such as memory, identity and the relation between past and present. The non-linear structure and the poetic frames create an unique experience, highly evocative.

Stalker (1979)

“Stalker” is a science fiction piece that follows the journey of three men in a quest for a room in a mysterious area that is supposed to make every wish come true. The movie is a strong allegory of faith, hope and the nature of human desire. The evocative images and the creepy atmosphere create a world that is both alien and familiar at the same time.

Nostalghia (1983)

"Nostalghia" tells the story of a Russian poet living in Italy and looking for a composer from the 18th century. The movie explores the issues of exile and the pursuit of a sense of belonging. Tarkovskij uses desolate landscapes and symbolic images in order to evoke a feeling of loss and nostalgia.

The Sacrifice (1986)

“The Sacrifice” is Tarkovskij’s last production, realized while he was exiled in Sweden. It tells the story of a man who gives God all he has in order to save the world from a nuclear total disruption. The movie is a consideration of faith, sacrifice and hope for a world on the verge of annihilation.

In conclusion, Andrej Tarkovskij is a central figure in the world cinema’s framework. His unique vision and strong spirituality allowed him to create pieces that go beyond mere entertainment but become true philosophical and spiritual meditations. His movies, characterized by an impressive visual language and a contemplative narrative, still influence directors and viewers nowadays, encouraging them to explore deeply the human experience and think about the nature of existence. Tarkovskij proved that the cinema can be a noble form of art, capable of showing the deepest truths of life and the human soul.

Mondo Internazionale APS - Riproduzione Riservata ® 2024