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Which Eisenstein films most deserve a big screen viewing?

Brad S.

5 months ago

What better way to get through January in Chicago than with Soviet montage? (There might be a few better ways.) In any case, The Gene Siskel Center will be screening the following Sergei Eisenstein films:

Strike
Battleship Potemkin
Time in the Sun
Alexander Nevsky
October
Ivan the Terrible Part 1
Ivan the Terrible Part 2

Not having time to attend all screenings, I’m wondering which two would benefit most from a theatrical presentation. The only one I’ve seen so far is Battleship Potemkin on the small screen. Any suggestions/opinions?

Roscoe

5 months ago

Don’t miss IVAN THE TERRIBLE — it really benefits from the big screen.

Matt Parks

5 months ago

I agree with Roscoe, Ivan.

ruby stevens

5 months ago

me three ^

localdj​ango

5 months ago

why no ¡Que viva México!? Out of those I’d say Ivan. I’ve grossly underrated Eisenstein over the years. He’s pretty great.

apursan​sar

5 months ago

The only Eisenstein I’ve seen on the big screen is “Battleship Potemkin”, but I can imagine that “Ivan the Terrible” and “Alexander Nevsky” would probably benefit most.

Walbert​o

5 months ago

Ivan all the way!

greg x

5 months ago

Ivan undoubtedly would look even better on a big screen, but I’m not sure whether it would benefit more than Nevsky which I thought was much more impressive on the larger screen and with the movie sound system than it was on the smaller screen, so maybe it has more to gain in other words or the difference is of slightly more importance potentially. I can’t say for sure though since I’ve never seem Ivan projected big.

Brad S.

5 months ago

Thanks all. Unanimity is a beautiful thing and, happily, both Ivans will be playing the same day.

javier quinter​o

5 months ago

I watched October in 35mm once in a very good copy. I can guarantee that you’ll shake yourself with each cut. Great experience!

Tommy

5 months ago

I’m very partial to Strike. It is my favorite of Eisenstein who’s work I’m altogether not a big fan of. Potemkin is great too, but I’m sure scenes from Strike would be very impressive on the big screen.

Kenji

5 months ago

I enjoyed Potemkin at the cinema, but that was with our own resident composer’s accompaniment (which i cheekily- being a musical ignoramus- suggested a slight amendment on, to accentuate the sense of symphonic movements and hold back more in the opening section). But Nevsky certainly benefits from the big screen, with its power, space and memorable Prokofiev score. Not seen Ivans on the big screen but i’m sure they would be very impressive, as grand baroque opera

In any event i’m glad there’s a season, cos his once sky-high reputation is ripe for restoring

Ben Simingt​on

5 months ago

IVAN. Big screen…good sound. What an underrated score in the shadow of NEVSKY, too.