| Ivan the Terrible | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Ivan_Groznyj_poster.jpg) Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Sergei Eisenstein |
| Written by | Sergei Eisenstein |
| Produced by | Sergei Eisenstein |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Andrei Moskvin Eduard Tisse |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Sergei Prokofiev |
Release dates |
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| Country | Soviet Union |
| Language | Russian |
Ivan the Terrible (Russian: Иван Грозный, romanized: Ivan Grozny) is a two-part Soviet epic historical drama film written and directed by Sergei Eisenstein, with music composed by Sergei Prokofiev. A biopic starring Nikolay Cherkasov as Ivan IV of Russia, the film follows Ivan IV from his childhood to his older years as tsar, and details his formation of the oprichnina and conflict with the boyars, particularly with his aunt (Serafima Birman) and cousin (Pavel Kadochnikov). Lyudmila Tselikovskaya plays a supporting role as Ivan's wife Anastasia, with members of the oprichnina being played by Mikhail Zharov, Amvrosy Buchma, and Mikhail Kuznetsov. Ivan the Terrible was Eisenstein's final film.
Soviet leader Joseph Stalin commissioned the film in early 1941; production was delayed by the beginning of World War II, and ultimately did not start until April 1943. The majority of the film was shot in Alma-Ata; several scenes were shot in Moscow. Part I was released in 1945, and received a Stalin Prize. Part II, although it finished production in 1946, was banned and not released until 1958. Eisenstein had planned three parts for the film, but with the banning of Part II, filming of Part III was stopped. Eisenstein died in 1948, leaving the film incomplete.
The film has a mixed legacy, being both harshly criticized and highly praised. Since its release, it has been named in several lists of the best films of all time, and has often been called one of Eisenstein's most complex films.
- ^ Tobak 1998, p. 133.
- ^ a b Neuberger 2003, p. xi.