The New Wave belatedly shows in the USSR on this early film from Romanian-born Soviet filmmaker Kira Muratova. Banned for a decade, it’s unclear if authorities’ objected to the early Godard stylistics or its disaffected Soviet youth content. Where has the white-of-teeth, strong-of-arm Soviet Pioneers spirit gone? Oleg Vladimirsky, in his sole film credit, is the best thing in here as the late teen, back with Mom (in Odessa?) after a summer spent with Dad, and now falling away from old habits, perhaps to move away for good. (In both senses of the word.) And who wouldn’t be thinking escape with a mom like Zinaida Sharko, playing a Russian version of one of those desperate clutchy/clinging chatterbox Tennessee Williams fading divas?* (Brittle, mannered and embarrassing, Geraldine Page would have been just the thing for a putative Hollywood remake.) On the other hand, she’s so dreadfully needy, perhaps Dad is better able to take care of himself? Do I see filial sacrifice and years of psychiatrist bills in the future? Except that’s all free in the Soviet Union, da? Admired & influential internationally when finally released, so help yourself if you're so inclined.
SCREWY THOUGHT OF THE DAY: *But is it more GLASS MENAGERIE/Amanda Wingfield or Geraldine Page/SUMMER AND SMOKE/61; SWEET BIRD OF YOU/’62? Either way, lots of award action for Ms. Sharko.
ATTENTION MUST BE PAID: Extreme, downright odd use of repetition in the dialogue; as if characters rehearsing lines incessantly with small variations in emphasis.
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