The above image is from the magnificent, endlessly upsetting 1998 Khrustalyov, My Car, which may well be the last completed film by this now-departed master. I wrote at a little length about his work here, on the occasion of a superb retrospective. Current conditions oblige me to be largely off the grid for the time being, but I'll likely have more thoughts next week. A cataclysmic loss, to put it mildly.
Oh, this is a rough week.
Posted by: Christopher | February 21, 2013 at 11:03 AM
There's word going around that German's last film is basically complete except for final sound mixing, which I assume means it could easily be finished. Let's hope so
Posted by: Brian | February 21, 2013 at 12:27 PM
Argh! This really is a terrible loss.
Posted by: That Fuzzy Bastard | February 21, 2013 at 03:57 PM
Yes, a tragic loss - it was German's son (Aleksei Jr) who made the statement that the film was basically complete except for final sound mixing - so I think that statement can be seen as definitive. The word around previously was that the film was going to be released on April 1st - not sure now if this date will be moved back a little further. There are a few clips on the internet of the film. I wrote a piece for my blog yesterday - to be followed by a piece on the reaction in Russian film circles. Many are saying that his death marks the death of a generation in Russia and the last of the cinematic Titans. http://giuvivrussianfilm.blogspot.ru/2013/02/aleksei-german-1938-2013.html
Posted by: Giuliano | February 22, 2013 at 12:16 PM
I've finally gotten round to watching Khrustalyov, My Car! It's seeped into my brain and it's not going to leave. I think I might watch it every evening this week if I get the chance. Thanks for pointing me towards this masterpiece.
Posted by: Punkyscudmonkey | February 28, 2013 at 08:40 AM
A clip from the new film: http://youtu.be/1KtqwQLGkao
Posted by: Punkyscudmonkey | February 28, 2013 at 08:56 AM
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Posted by: amedeo maffei | March 25, 2013 at 05:42 AM