1. “LIFE AS IT SHOULD BE” SOCIALIST REALISM OF THE 1930S

2. Soviet Cinema in the 1930-s 1927 – first full-length film with synchronized sound a “talkie” (The Jazz Singer, USA). 1930 Sound film appeared in Russia: Abram Room’s The Plan For Great Works (documentary). Stalin’s dictatorship (1924-1953) Very few films produced each year under strict state control No experiments, no “formalism” The doctrine of Socialist Realism is announced (1934).

3. The Doctrine of Socialist Realism The doctrine imposed on all art forms as of 1934. “Truthful, historically concrete representation of reality in its revolutionary development” according to the Leninist party ideology. Life must be shown not as it is but as it should be. Highly didactic, indoctrinating. Presents a hero to be glorified and followed. Always optimistic (“optimistic tragedy”). Art must be “accessible for the masses.”

4. Chapaev(1934) Directed by the Vasilyevbrothers. Starring: Boris Babochkin. Based on a novel written about a real-life Civil war Red commander, VasilyChapaev. Other characters (Petka, Anka) are fictional but have prototypes.

6. Chapaev The film opened I Moscow Film Festival (1934). Unprecedented popularity. International recognition. A hero added for the Soviet pantheon. Creation of modern mythology. Film changes perception of history. Strict adherence to the doctrine combined with artistic perfection. artistic perfection Tragic but inspirational ending: high didactic value.