Gennadi Shpalikov

A poet as well as a screenwriter, Shpalikov’s stylized way with dialogue was in high demand even before graduating from the State School of Cinematography, penning I Step Through Moscow at only 25. Though it is the only film he directed before ending his own life prematurely, The Long Happy Life made a significant impression at the time of its release and remains a lyrical marvel, worthy of comparison to Bergman’s finest films. —Seagull Films