USA
early 90s of the XX century
Victor / Leonid Filatov / - in the former - a famous film director; now - a poor unemployed, invited to a charity ball as a guest star and having the opportunity to live one night in an expensive hotel, as a rich man who can afford any whim.
Shirley / Kristina Orbakaite / - a masseuse in a hotel, dreaming of becoming a famous actress
This film has a catastrophically low rating. In principle, it's clear why. Russian cinema of the 90s, and especially of the early 90s, is something specific and far from art. Even the term for this period of cinema was “black”. It's about Russian.
So, Leonid Filatov did not star in Russian cinema. As I understand it, because of the blackness of Russian cinema. They were allowed to talk about sex, only about it. Allowed to show naked parts of the body - showed everything that could be exposed. No soul, no heart, no intellect, in most of the films of that period. But not all.
The fact that professional and really talented actors did not have jobs, and they had to work anywhere except for artistic activities, I do not say anything. This time was unpleasant. This time was obscure and gray. This time was poor, because the picture in the films of the 90s leaves much to be desired: dark tones, blurry-fuzzy shots, sometimes a disgusting sound so that you can not understand the words.
That’s why – because of the picture – the film has a low rating. I even wanted to stop watching the first few minutes. But I was stopped by my boundless love for Filatov, who gave so much that half of the film rests solely on him.
And in the second, Christine comes to his aid. It is a pity that she did not choose her acting career as her main activity - she is an excellent artist. Plays so you can't see the game. Very organic, very natural and talented.
As for the story, it is very sad. Sadly, it's hardly invented. How many of these creative people who went for a better life, for at least some earnings abroad and achieved nothing there? How many of them had to go to work as taxi drivers, saleswomen, masseuses, suppressing the gift of God?
How many people were so angry that they were capable of such a meanness as the one shown in the film? And let in the picture this meanness is perceived by a deceived person as a springboard. And how many true destinies have been ruined by meeting such angry and lost people?
I got hooked on the movie. I cannot be indifferent to such stories, to such mental rushes, to such experiences and pains. And, of course, I cannot be indifferent to Filatov. I love this actor. It's only his voice that gives me goosebumps. Unparalleled, talented, great actor!
This is his last film role. After the premiere of the film, the actor suffered a stroke, and he could no longer work. And in this film, you can already see the seal of the disease on his face, in his posture. And this adds to the pain of the image he played. And it's very, very sad to see, but you still can't take your eyes off.
Anyway, I recommend the movie. I liked it, I got it.