Griboyedov. Love. The love story of Alexander Griboyedov and his young wife Nina Chavchavadze has become a real legend. Such feelings can only be dreamed of. It is a pity that the great Russian husband passed away so early. But he managed to make a huge contribution to the culture, history and politics of our homeland. In addition to the immortal “Woe from Wit” and quotes from this work, which became winged expressions, Griboyedov left behind the famous “Griboyedov Waltz”. Pushkin’s namesake was talented in everything: he composed music, knew several foreign languages, took part in the development of the Turkmenchay peace treaty with Persia. In early 1817, Griboyedov became one of the founders of the Du Bien Masonic lodge. He was officially accused of friendship with the Decembrists, he was one of the participants of the St. Petersburg “quadruple duel”. You can write and write about this great man. Literary critic Yuri Tynyanov dedicated his novel “The Death of Vazir-Mukhtar” to Griboyedov, which is read in one breath. In Russian cinema, unfortunately, there are no worthy films about this bright and multifaceted personality. However, Nikita Mikhalkov is preparing a new movie about Griboyedov, which according to plans should be released in 2016.
“Griboyedov Waltz” is a biographical drama directed by Tamara Pavlyuchenko in 1995. The title of the film undoubtedly refers to the famous musical work, which belongs to Griboyedov. The waltz also symbolizes the writer’s marriage, which lasted only a few months. This film shows a happy time in Griboyedov’s life, his wedding and a colorful Georgian wedding. Political affairs almost remain in the background, much of the film is about love. This bright feeling develops against the backdrop of the amazing beauty and landscapes of Georgia under the lines of the tender and touching poem “Muhambazi” by Grigol Orbeliani, performed by Griboyedov (Alexander Feklistov) and his young wife (Eka Pipia). The depicted love is pure and sad, as if it harbors a premonition of the trouble and death of the writer. Griboyedov has delusional dreams in which he sits among the Caucasian mountains with his contemporary Pushkin. The Sun of Russian Poetry is nothing like itself. Perhaps this dream foreshadows the meeting of two great people, which is so described in Pushkin’s “Journey to Arzrum”:
Several Georgians accompanied the arba. - Where are you from? - Tehran. - What's your luck? - Griboyeda. It was the body of the murdered Griboyedov, who was sent to Tiflis.
Griboyedov felt his death, his close friends recalled. He was melancholic, maybe that’s why the film is full of grief, sadness, a sense of imminent loss. Love Nina does not please, but, on the contrary, causes compassion and sympathy. This girl became known for her loyalty. She ordered to install over the grave of Griboyedov a tombstone with the inscription: “Thy mind and deeds are immortal in the memory of the Russian, but why did my love survive you?”
The film is made raw and with a poorly developed plot. Something's clearly missing. Viewers unfamiliar with Griboyedov’s life and sad death may not understand much. Actors playing lovers are so used to the images that there is no doubt that the Griboyedov couple appears before the audience. This movie can hardly be called good and successful, but there is something special, attractive and very sad in it. On the other hand, you can't rewrite history. Griboyedov was brutally killed by an angry mob in Persia, and Nina did not protect the child she carried under her heart. The director’s attempt to convey all the pain of the loss of happiness and beloved Chavchavadze succeeded with the help of sad music and mourning robes of a young widow, which she wore for the rest of her days. How not to admire such loyalty and purity? As a result, it turned out to be a good film, which looks like a love chapter in Griboyedov’s life. But this was too little to reveal the brightest personality of the first half of the XIX century.
6 out of 10