Assassin of the Tsar

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Virgo V The Assassin of the Tsar is a 1991 Soviet historical drama film, starring Malcolm McDowell and Oleg Yankovsky. It was entered into the 1991 Cannes Film Festival. There are two versions. One is filmed in English which later was dubbed over the Russian actors and one in Russian. Malcolm McDowell pretended to speak Russian in the other version and it was later dubbed. The Assassin of the Tsar is a Soviet historical drama film that has been praised for its complex plot, performances and unique style. Plot The film is a psychological drama that explores the relationship between reality and imagination. It weaves back and forth in time, depicting the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and his family in 1918. The film is a meditation on how people who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Performances Malcolm McDowell gives a subtle and complex performance as Timofeyev, a schizophrenic patient who believes he killed the tsar. Oleg Yankovsky plays Dr. Smirnov, the new head psychiatrist who tries to cure Timofeyev. Style The film's dreamlike cinematography and metaphysical elements create a unique style. The film is layered, considered and unexpected, with a subtle narrative that feels almost experimental. Reception Some say the film is a compelling modern psychodrama and a powerful recreation of a pivotal event in modern history. Others say it's a dense, fascinating and sometimes a frustrating pseudo time travel mind warp. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/15/25 Full Review Audience Member Interesting premise to tell the story of the downfall of the last Tsar, although the voice over employed gives the film the feeling of being slow paced. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member beau film, belle histoire, mélange fiction-histoire, le mieux à faire lorsqu'il y a des révolutions... Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Audience Member the aching scene in his nightly sleeping room is still haunting me. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Assassin of the Tsar

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