The 1002nd Ruse

Plot

In this clever Russian comedy, an elderly husband becomes increasingly frustrated with his young wife's flirtatious behavior and constant attempts to manipulate him. Desperate for a solution, he discovers and studies the comprehensive guide 'One Thousand and One Feminine Ruses - Practical Directions for Elderly Husbands,' which equips him with counter-strategies for each of his wife's schemes. Armed with this newfound knowledge, he successfully thwarts her various plots to meet other men and spend his money, leading to a series of comedic confrontations between the warring spouses. The wife, however, proves equally resourceful and determined, refusing to be outsmarted by her husband's newfound tactical advantage. Their domestic battle of wits escalates as each tries to outmaneuver the other, culminating in the wife's attempt to deploy the '1002nd ruse' - a scheme so clever it wasn't even included in the husband's comprehensive guidebook. The film explores themes of marriage, age disparity, and gender dynamics through its sophisticated comedic narrative.

Historical Background

The 1002nd Ruse was produced during a pivotal moment in Russian history. 1915 marked the second year of World War I, a conflict that would eventually lead to the Russian Revolution of 1917. Despite the war, Russian cinema was experiencing what many historians consider its golden age, with domestic production thriving due to reduced imports from warring European nations. The film reflected the social tensions of the time, including changing gender roles and the growing influence of Western ideas about romance and marriage. The period saw the emergence of a sophisticated urban middle class that formed the primary audience for such films. Bauer's work, including this comedy, represented the peak of pre-revolutionary Russian cinema's artistic achievements, combining technical innovation with sophisticated storytelling that addressed contemporary social issues.

Making Of

The making of 'The 1002nd Ruse' exemplified the sophisticated approach to filmmaking that characterized Yevgeni Bauer's work. Bauer was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his innovative use of cinematic techniques that were revolutionary for the time. The film was shot at the Khanzhonkov studio in Moscow, which boasted some of the most advanced production facilities in Russia at the time. Bauer frequently employed complex camera movements, including tracking shots and unusual angles, to enhance the comedic timing and psychological depth of his scenes. The casting of his sister Emma in the lead role was a common practice, as he often worked with a troupe of regular actors who understood his particular directorial style. The production team had to work around wartime shortages of film stock and other resources, but Bauer's reputation ensured that his projects received priority treatment from the studio.

Visual Style

The cinematography of The 1002nd Ruse showcases Yevgeni Bauer's innovative approach to visual storytelling, which was ahead of its time even by international standards. The film employs sophisticated camera movements including tracking shots and unusual angles that enhance the comedic timing and psychological impact of key scenes. Bauer made extensive use of deep staging, allowing multiple actions to occur simultaneously within the frame, creating a rich visual environment that rewards careful viewing. The lighting design is particularly noteworthy for its naturalistic quality and its use of shadow to create mood and emphasize the psychological states of the characters. The film's visual composition demonstrates Bauer's mastery of cinematic space, with careful attention to set design and blocking that creates dynamic visual relationships between characters. These technical elements combine to create a visually sophisticated work that stands as a testament to the artistic achievements of pre-revolutionary Russian cinema.

Innovations

The 1002nd Ruse demonstrated several technical achievements that were remarkable for its time. Yevgeni Bauer employed sophisticated camera movements including smooth tracking shots that were technically challenging to achieve with the equipment available in 1915. The film features complex editing patterns that create sophisticated narrative rhythms and enhance the comedic timing of key scenes. Bauer's use of deep focus staging allowed for multiple layers of action within a single frame, creating visual complexity that was rare in films of this era. The production also showcased advanced set design and lighting techniques that created realistic interior spaces and enhanced the psychological atmosphere of key scenes. These technical innovations, while subtle by modern standards, represented significant advances in cinematic language and contributed to the film's sophisticated artistic quality.

Music

As a silent film, The 1002nd Ruse would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical practice in Russian cinemas of 1915 involved either a pianist or small ensemble providing musical accompaniment that was synchronized with the on-screen action. While no specific musical score was composed for the film, theaters would have used appropriate classical pieces or popular melodies from the period to enhance the comedic and dramatic moments. The music would have been particularly important during the scenes depicting the husband and wife's various schemes, helping to emphasize the humor and tension of their confrontations. Modern screenings of the film typically feature newly composed scores or carefully selected period music that attempts to recreate the original viewing experience.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where the elderly husband discovers the comprehensive guidebook in a dusty bookstore, setting up the entire premise of the film
• The montage sequence showing the husband successfully thwarting multiple schemes using the book's advice, featuring rapid cuts and clever visual gags
• The climactic confrontation where the wife reveals her '1002nd ruse,' a scheme so original it wasn't covered in any book, leading to mutual respect between the spouses

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised The 1002nd Ruse for its sophisticated humor and innovative cinematic techniques. Russian film journals of the era, such as 'Pegas' and 'Sinematograf,' highlighted Bauer's masterful direction and the film's clever plot construction. Critics particularly noted the film's psychological depth and the naturalistic performances of the cast, which set it apart from the more melodramatic films common in Russian cinema at the time. Modern film historians consider the work an important example of Bauer's comedic genius and technical innovation, often citing it as evidence of the sophistication achieved by Russian cinema before the Bolshevik Revolution. The film is frequently referenced in academic studies of early Russian cinema as an exemplary work that combines entertainment value with artistic merit.

What Audiences Thought

The 1002nd Ruse was well-received by Russian audiences upon its release in October 1915. The film's sophisticated comedy and relatable themes of marital discord resonated with the growing urban middle class that formed the core audience for Russian cinema. Contemporary accounts suggest that audiences particularly enjoyed the film's clever plot twists and the chemistry between the lead actors. The film's success contributed to Yevgeni Bauer's growing reputation as one of Russia's most popular and respected directors. Audience reaction was reportedly enthusiastic, with many viewers appreciating the film's more subtle and psychologically nuanced approach to comedy compared to the broader slapstick that was common in the period. The film's popularity helped establish the domestic comedy genre as a significant component of Russian cinema production.

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