First off let me say I love Tarkovsky. Phew, now that I’ve said that I can say, I was extremely disappointed with this film. As the first feature film from the auteur, you can tell he was still finding his niche. In most of his films, we rely on the ebb and flow of emotions to tell a story, rather than the conventional linear plot progression. Not in this case. This is full of dialogue, and emotions are drawn out for us in layman’s terms.

While there is still the dream trademark from Tarkovsky films present, that doesn’t make this a great film. Really, the shots, and gritty realism of WWII actions, make it what it is. The constantly moving camera delivers. The fact that, the action can carry on for minutes at a time, and the camera keeps rolling, and moving, is amazing. Deep focus is also a great factor in this film. Many times, we see everything with perfect clairvoyance, giving us a crisp, clear, beautiful shot.

Another impressive camera technique, is what I call the “Low-to-High Angle Handheld Tracking Shot”. I’ve only seen it occur within this film, so I might as well name it. In this shot we start with a low angle shot, usually tilted, to give us the perception of Ivan’s ego. High and mighty, untouchable if you will. Then, while Ivan moves to another location on screen, the shot continues, and switches to a high angle shot. This give the perception of insignificance, or of the actuality of his power. With this shot Tarkovsky has successfully juxtaposed Ivan’s ego with reality.

-Chase
sunday with the giants