Tarkovsky, the Mainstream, and Soviet Culture

This course will explore the cinematic art of Andrei Tarkovsky, a Soviet filmmaker who produced some of the most compelling and significant cinematic works of the 20th century. Tarkovsky established his technique and personal style as his main priority and developed his own cinematic language. Looking at his films alongside films that were made at the same time, students will examine cinematic art in the broader context of Soviet culture. Films by Konchalovsky, Todorovsky, Shukshin, Iosseliani, and others will be screened. The course incorporates readings of criticism and Tarkovsky’s own writing, as well as detailed analyses of the cinematic works.