"Do I have something?" ! . .
"We are only midges, we are waiting for feeding..." - sadly ironizes one heroine. "Maybe there is something in me?!.." - another (however, for a short time). I watched "Big Sister"
George Nathanson on a wonderful script
Alexander Volodin. A stunning film about how the individual struggles to break free through the shell of the image of the “right citizen” imposed by society. The soulless machine of the authoritarian state does not need independent individuals, which, with their inherent uniqueness, only complicate the movement of this monstrous mechanism (as it later turns out, to nowhere) - it needs predictable and universal cogs. (As you know, there are no irreplaceable people.)
The totalitarian order of society is pressing in all directions, including through the only relative of the two sisters. Just as the state machine does not know where it is going, Uncle Mitya does not really know what he wants in life. Both the state and the equally unquestioningly authoritative (and authoritarian), “sophisticated by experience” uncle only pretend that they know all the answers to all questions: the council is ready for all occasions, everything is under control, everything goes according to plan. Rationality and once again rationality – down with impulsivity and some useless emotional impulses and desires. As the saying goes, “in the mind.”
But all these “right” steps, actions, processes take place in an atmosphere of endless mental anguish. Some kind of schizophrenic whirlwind and sado-maso. The uncle, performed by Mikhail Zharov, (in general, loving and with good intentions that lead along the known path) treats his beloved nieces with correct not only advice, but categorical demands that he easily unfolds 180 degrees over time. But since he lives in complete unconsciousness, this does not cause him any confusion or inconvenience. My uncle is always right. If you are wrong, see paragraph one. In general, do not interfere in your own business - everyone will decide for you. So is the patriarchal state, with its bloody paternalism, which we are now bitterly eating. Yes, and from here “politics is a dirty business”: do not climb, say, we will figure it out without you; what to do and how to react to what is happening – we will tell you and tell you. And don’t be too daring – what, very special? You're nobody!
Even the only living and so light at first character Vitaly Solomin loses courage and spontaneity over time - and in fact before he knew for sure that "there is something in him" and that he is a unique personality. After a few years, he becomes like others and loses that happy ability to understand himself.
And if the heroes have fleeting moments of inspiration – when they are truly happy – they immediately, grasping, trample in themselves the awakening sprouts of freedom. “Who am I?” the elders know better. And again a state of total uncertainty and confusion. In general, such a global hazing. Can a society consisting entirely of unhealthy members with slavish psychology be healthy? From insecure, full of hidden and obvious aggression of individuals. Can it, at the same time, follow the course of the declared “universal happiness for all and for everyone”?
This is a film about the dreary, backward model of the relationship of the individual with the state. This is a film about today.
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P.S. From Virginia Satir's Declaration of Self-Value: "I am I." There is no one in the world exactly like me. There are people who are like me, but no one is exactly like me. So everything that comes from me is authentically mine, because I chose it. (...) I am I and I am wonderful!
(from the book "How to build yourself and your family") P.P.S.
Tatyana Doronina, breaking off in the dance under
Mack the Knife - a separate "bonus" of the film. )
10 out of 10
Original