Film Review: Chapaev (Chapayev, 1934)

over 1 year ago

(source: tmdb.org

The greatest icon of Soviet popular culture was larger-than-life personality based on the real historical figure. That figure was Vasily Ivanovich Chapayev (sometimes transliterated as Chapaev), Red Army commander whose life was subject or inspiration for numerous works of literature and arts. The work which contributed to Chapayev’s iconic status the most was Chapaev, 1934 war biopic directed by Georgi Vasilyev and Sergei Vasilyev, which was the most popular film in the history of Soviet cinema.

The film is based on 1923 eponymous novel by Dmitry Furmanov, based on the author’s experiences as Red Army political commisar during Russian Civil War. The plot is set in 1919 in the area around Ural River valley, which was one of the major theatres of operation. The protagonist is Vasily Ivanovich Chapaev (played by Boris Babochkin), former sergeant in Czarist Army who had embraced Bolshevik Revolution and, despite lack of any formal education, displayed such talent for military leadership that he was given command of 25th Division. When new political commissar Dmitry Furmanov (played by Boris Blinov) arrives to his headquarters, two men are initially at oods due to differences in education and temperament. However, Furmanov soon begins to appreciate Chapaev’s talent for command, while Chapaev recognises that Furmanov, as thoughtful intellectual, could help him maintain discipline and win over local population for Bolshevik cause. They soon become effective team, which also includes Chapaev trusted aide Petka (played by Leonid Kmit) whose girlfriend, female volunteer Anka (played by Varvara Myasnikova), becomes an accomplished machine gunner.

Many of today’s viewers, especially in the West, would be tempted to dismiss Chapaev as nothing more than piece of Soviet regime propaganda. At the same time, many critics and film scholars of the more snobbish persuasion could see this film as prime example of Socialist Realism, infamous official art doctrine of Soviet Union which was introduced by Stalin and snuffed out almost all creativity and experimentation characteristic for earlier period. While there are valid arguments to see Chapaev in that way, few could deny that the film was very effective in carrying the regime message and, more importantly, that was immensely popular. This couldn’t have been possible without some genuine talent both in front and behind cameras. Georgi Vasilyev and Sergei Vasilyev (who, despite being advertised as “Vasilyev Brothers” weren’t related at all) direct the film in a dry and somewhat unimaginative style, but their approach proves to be adequate in battle scenes.

What ultimately helps the film is certain care about authenticity, which included use of Furmanov’s widow Anna as consultant and even the cast. Boris Babochkin, who plays the lead character, was from his region and even briefly served as Red Army soldier at the same theatre of operation as Chapaev (although he never met him). He portrays charismatic commander as person who compensate lack of education with common sense, high energy and ability to inspire men. Boris Blinov is also effective as Chapaev’s intellectual counterpart and has good chemistry with Babochkin. Leonid Kmit is also very good in the role of Petka, while Varvara Myasnikova (who married director Sergei Vasilyev) convincingly plays seemingly simple, but actually very resourceful and intelligent woman who, by learning to use machine gun, removes the traditional limits of her gender.

Script, despite Chapaev being propaganda piece, allows even for more nuanced and less one-sided approach towards Russian Civil War. Red Army soldiers are shown as not above robbing peasants (who later complain that there aren’t any difference between Reds and White) and they even indulge in mutiny and desertion. Colonel Borozdin (played by Ilarion Pevtsov), Chapaev’s main adversary from the White army, even expresses respect towards him, unlike most of his aristocratic colleagues. Chapaev, according to historic records, ends as a true hero, resisting superior White forces that overwhelmed his headquarters; the film, nevertheless, takes a lot of liberty by suggesting that his sacrifice turned Red Army defeat in victory (which actually occurred with counter-offensive two months later). Despite somewhat questionable content, Chapaev became Stalin’s favourite film, which guaranteed that it would remain popular in years to come. Characters of Chapaev, Petka and Anka became icons of popular culture and were used as such by Soviet propaganda during Second World War. In 1941 Boris Babochkin repeated his role in short film Chapaev with Us, in which the protagonist urges Red Army soldiers to resist German invaders. Character of Anka inspired many Soviet women in to join Red Army during the war. After the war Anka, Petka and Chapaev became subject of popular jokes, and in post-Soviet period even inspired series of video games.

RATING: 6/10 (++)