The Last Tango

Plot

The Last Tango tells the story of a passionate love affair that unfolds against the backdrop of revolutionary Russia. The narrative follows a young woman who becomes entangled in a romantic relationship with a mysterious man she meets at a dance hall, where they share their final tango together. As political turmoil escalates around them, their personal drama becomes intertwined with the larger social upheaval of the Russian Revolution. The film explores themes of doomed love, sacrifice, and the transient nature of happiness in times of crisis. Their final dance together serves as both a literal and metaphorical ending to their relationship, echoing the melancholic tone of the song that inspired the film.

Historical Background

The Last Tango was produced in 1918, a year of unprecedented upheaval in Russian history. The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 had toppled the Romanov dynasty, and the country was engulfed in a brutal civil war between the Red Army and various White forces. The film industry, which had flourished under the Tsarist regime, was in disarray. Many filmmakers fled the country, while others tried to adapt to the new Soviet reality. Odessa, where the film was made, was particularly contested territory, changing hands multiple times between different factions. This period saw the destruction of many cultural artifacts and the loss of numerous films. The film's themes of romance against a backdrop of social collapse reflected the lived experience of its audience. Cinema was one of the few forms of entertainment that continued to operate during these turbulent times, providing escapism for a population dealing with war, revolution, and famine.

Making Of

The production of The Last Tango took place during one of the most chaotic periods in Russian history. The film was shot in Odessa in 1918, a city that was experiencing rapid political changes and was briefly the capital of the Odessa Soviet Republic. Director Vyacheslav Viskovsky had to navigate not only the usual challenges of filmmaking but also the dangers of filming during armed conflict. The cast and crew often worked under threat of violence, with film stock and other resources becoming increasingly scarce. Vera Kholodnaya was at the height of her fame during this period, commanding significant fees and creative input. The film's connection to Iza Kremer's popular song was a deliberate commercial strategy, as musical adaptations were popular with audiences. The production team likely worked quickly to complete filming before the situation in Odessa deteriorated further.

Visual Style

The cinematography of The Last Tango would have reflected the technical standards and artistic conventions of Russian silent cinema in 1918. Early Russian films were known for their sophisticated use of lighting and composition, often influenced by Russian theatrical traditions. The film likely employed dramatic lighting to enhance the melodramatic elements of the story, particularly in scenes featuring the tango. Camera work would have been relatively static by modern standards, but might have included some tracking shots or camera movements for dramatic effect. The film would have been shot on black and white film stock, with tinting possibly used to indicate different times of day or emotional states. The cinematographer would have worked under challenging conditions given the political instability and resource shortages of 1918 Russia.

Innovations

The Last Tango was produced using the standard film technology of 1918, which included 35mm film stock and basic camera equipment. Given the production conditions in revolutionary Russia, any completed film represented a significant technical achievement. The film was likely shot on location in Odessa, which presented challenges in terms of equipment transport and power supply for lighting and cameras. The synchronization of the narrative with a popular song represents an early example of multimedia storytelling. The film's survival in any form would be remarkable given that many Russian films from this period were lost due to neglect, destruction, or the unstable nitrate film stock used at the time. The production team's ability to complete a feature film during the Civil War demonstrates considerable technical and logistical skill.

Music

As a silent film, The Last Tango would have featured live musical accompaniment during theatrical screenings. The film's connection to Iza Kremer's song suggests that this melody may have been incorporated into the live score performed in theaters. Typical Russian cinema of this period featured a mix of classical music excerpts, popular songs, and original compositions performed by small ensembles or piano accompanists. The tango theme of the film would have been emphasized through appropriate musical selections, possibly including actual tango music which was popular in Russia at the time. The emotional tone of the film would have been enhanced through carefully selected musical pieces that matched the on-screen drama. The use of a specific song as the film's inspiration was somewhat unusual for the period and may have been a marketing strategy to attract audiences familiar with Kremer's performances.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic tango scene where the lovers share their final dance, symbolizing both their passion and the end of their relationship against the backdrop of revolutionary chaos

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception of The Last Tango is difficult to reconstruct due to the loss of most period newspapers and film journals from revolutionary Russia. However, films starring Vera Kholodnaya were generally popular with critics and audiences alike during their initial release. Critics of the time praised Kholodnaya's emotive acting style and screen presence. The film's melodramatic elements and romantic themes were typical of what critics expected from Russian cinema of this period. Modern critical assessment is limited by the film's apparent lost status, but film historians consider Viskovsky's work, including this film, as important examples of pre-Soviet Russian filmmaking. The film is often referenced in academic discussions of early Russian cinema and the work of Vera Kholodnaya, though few scholars have actually seen it.

What Audiences Thought

Contemporary audience reception of The Last Tango was likely positive, given Vera Kholodnaya's immense popularity during this period. Kholodnaya was the first true Russian film star, and audiences flocked to see her films in theaters across the former Russian Empire. The film's romantic themes and connection to a popular song would have appealed to audiences seeking entertainment and escapism during the turbulent revolutionary period. The tango was a fashionable and somewhat scandalous dance, adding to the film's appeal. However, the chaos of 1918 meant that theatrical distribution was inconsistent, with many cinemas closed or operating intermittently. The film's audience would have been primarily urban and relatively affluent, as cinema-going was still a relatively expensive entertainment option during this period of economic disruption.

You Might Also Like