Fairy Tale About Emelya

Plot

Based on the classic Russian folk tale, this 1938 animated film follows Emelya, a lazy but good-natured simpleton who lives with his family. One day while ice fishing, Emelya catches a magical pike that begs for its life and promises to grant any wish if released. The pike teaches Emelya the magic words 'By the pike's command, at my desire' that will fulfill his every wish. Using his newfound powers, Emelya gets everything he wants without lifting a finger - from having his water buckets carry themselves home to making his sled move on its own. His magical abilities eventually attract the attention of the Tsar, leading to Emelya's marriage to the princess and his transformation from village simpleton to royal ruler, all while maintaining his carefree, lazy nature.

Historical Background

This film was produced in 1938, during the Great Purge under Stalin's regime, a period of intense political repression in the Soviet Union. Despite the tense political atmosphere, the arts, including animation, were flourishing as the Soviet government invested in cultural production. The film emerged during the formative years of Soviet animation, when studios were developing their unique visual language and storytelling approaches. Folk tales like Emelya's story were particularly favored during this period as they could be adapted to reflect socialist values while maintaining their cultural significance. The late 1930s also saw the establishment of major animation studios that would dominate Soviet animation for decades, making films like this important precursors to the golden age of Soviet animation.

Making Of

The production of 'Fairy Tale About Emelya' took place during a crucial period in Soviet animation history. The studio Soyuzdetmultfilm, which specialized in children's animation, was still relatively new, having been established only a few years earlier. Director Panteleymon Sazonov worked with a small team of animators who had to create the entire film by hand, drawing each frame on celluloid sheets. The artists drew inspiration from traditional Russian folk art, incorporating elements of lubok (popular prints) and icon painting into the character designs and backgrounds. The voice work was recorded using early sound recording equipment, and the film featured a musical score that incorporated elements of Russian folk melodies. Due to the limited technology and resources available in 1930s Soviet Union, the animation process was labor-intensive, with each second of film requiring 24 separate hand-drawn frames.

Visual Style

The film utilized traditional hand-drawn animation techniques typical of the 1930s, with artists creating each frame individually on celluloid sheets. The visual style was heavily influenced by Russian folk art traditions, particularly the flat, decorative quality of lubok prints and the bold outlines characteristic of folk painting. The animation, while limited by the technology of the era, showed considerable artistry in its character designs and background art. Color was used selectively but effectively, with a palette that reflected both the technical limitations of the time and the aesthetic preferences of Russian folk art. The movement of characters was somewhat stiff compared to later animation, but this was typical of the period's technical constraints.

Innovations

While modest by modern standards, the film represented several technical achievements for its time in Soviet animation. The successful integration of sound with animation was still relatively new in the Soviet Union in 1938. The film demonstrated the effective use of limited animation techniques to tell a complete story within a short runtime. The production team managed to create fluid character movement and magical effects using the traditional cel animation process. The color process, while limited by the technology of the era, showed careful planning and artistic consideration. The film also demonstrated the ability to adapt complex folk tale narratives into the animated format, paving the way for future adaptations of Russian folklore.

Music

The film's soundtrack incorporated traditional Russian folk melodies arranged for the animated medium. The music was composed to enhance the fairy tale atmosphere and emphasize the magical elements of the story. The score likely featured instruments common in Russian folk music, such as balalaikas, accordions, and various wind instruments. The sound design included character voices, sound effects for the magical elements (like the pike's transformation and Emelya's wishes being granted), and background music that shifted between playful and dramatic depending on the scene. The audio was recorded using early sound-on-film technology, which limited the quality but still managed to create an immersive experience for audiences of the time.

Memorable Scenes

• The scene where Emelya first catches the magic pike and learns the wish-granting words
• The sequence where Emelya lies by the stove while his buckets carry themselves home
• The magical sleigh ride scene where the vehicle moves on its own without horses
• Emelya's transformation from village simpleton to royal figure through his magical powers
• The wedding scene where Emelya marries the princess despite his lazy nature

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception of the film is difficult to ascertain due to the limited documentation from the period and the film's rarity. However, early Soviet animation was generally praised for its educational value and cultural significance. Critics of the era likely appreciated the film's faithful adaptation of Russian folklore and its potential to introduce children to traditional stories. Modern animation historians and film scholars value the film as an important artifact of early Soviet animation, though it's often overshadowed by later, more technically sophisticated adaptations. The film is recognized for its historical importance in the development of Soviet animation and its role in preserving Russian folk tales in cinematic form.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well received by Soviet audiences of the late 1930s, who were eager for domestic animated content based on familiar folk tales. Children particularly enjoyed the magical elements and the humorous situations Emelya found himself in. The story's appeal lay in its relatable protagonist and the wish-fulfillment fantasy that resonated with audiences of all ages. The film's popularity contributed to the enduring appeal of the Emelya character and led to numerous subsequent adaptations in various media. However, due to the film's age and limited availability, modern audiences have had little opportunity to experience this original animated version, with most people being more familiar with later adaptations.

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