Youth of the Poet

Plot

The film chronicles the formative years of Russia's greatest poet Alexander Pushkin during his time as a student at the prestigious Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum from 1811 to 1817. The narrative follows young Pushkin as he navigates the rigorous academic environment, develops his poetic talents, and forms lasting friendships with fellow students who would later become prominent figures in Russian society. The film depicts key moments from Pushkin's adolescence, including his first literary successes, his growing political awareness, and the development of his revolutionary spirit that would later characterize his work. Through detailed recreations of lyceum life, the film shows how the educational institution shaped Pushkin's worldview and artistic sensibilities. The story culminates with Pushkin's graduation, marking the end of his youth and the beginning of his journey as Russia's national poet.

Historical Background

The film was produced during a critical period in Soviet history - the height of Stalin's Great Purge in 1937. Despite the political climate, the Soviet government supported the production as part of the Pushkin centenary celebrations, using the poet's legacy to promote Russian cultural heritage within the Soviet framework. The film's creation reflected the complex relationship between the Soviet state and pre-revolutionary Russian culture. While many aspects of Tsarist Russia were condemned, figures like Pushkin were reinterpreted as progressive precursors to Soviet ideals. The international recognition at the Paris Exhibition was particularly significant, as it occurred during rising tensions between the Soviet Union and Western Europe. The film's focus on education and artistic development also aligned with Soviet emphasis on these values, even within a historical context.

Making Of

The production of 'Youth of the Poet' was a significant undertaking for Lenfilm Studio, requiring extensive historical research and recreation of early 19th-century Russia. Director Abram Naroditskiy spent months studying Pushkin's lyceum years, consulting with historians and literary scholars. The casting process was particularly challenging, as the filmmakers sought an actor who could convincingly portray both the youthful appearance and emerging genius of Pushkin. Valentin Litovskiy was ultimately chosen after an extensive search that included hundreds of candidates. The filming took place during a politically sensitive time in Soviet history, when the relationship with pre-revolutionary Russian culture was complex. The production team had to balance historical accuracy with Soviet ideological requirements, ensuring the film celebrated Pushkin's genius while acknowledging his aristocratic background. The cinematography employed innovative techniques for the time, using soft focus and carefully composed shots to evoke the romantic atmosphere of the era.

Visual Style

The cinematography, supervised by Vladimir Rapoport, employed innovative techniques for its time to evoke the romantic atmosphere of early 19th-century Russia. The film utilized soft focus lighting to create dreamlike sequences representing Pushkin's poetic inspiration. Carefully composed shots emphasized the architectural beauty of the lyceum and the surrounding Tsarskoye Selo gardens. The camera work often used gentle tracking movements to follow the young students through the historic corridors, creating a sense of immersion in the past. Period-appropriate color tinting was used in key scenes to enhance the emotional impact and historical authenticity. The cinematography successfully balanced documentary-style realism with poetic visual metaphors, reflecting the dual nature of Pushkin's own work.

Innovations

The film was notable for its pioneering use of location shooting at historical sites, particularly at the actual Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum building. The production team developed new techniques for recreating period lighting using authentic candle and oil lamp sources. The costume department created historically accurate reproductions of lyceum uniforms using traditional tailoring methods. The film's sound recording techniques were advanced for Soviet cinema of the 1930s, allowing for clear dialogue reproduction in large interior spaces. The makeup and prosthetics work on Valentin Litovskiy to transform him into a young Pushkin was considered groundbreaking for its naturalism. The production also innovated in its use of documentary footage techniques within a narrative framework to enhance historical authenticity.

Music

The musical score was composed by Dmitri Kabalevsky, one of the Soviet Union's most prominent composers of the period. The soundtrack incorporated adaptations of early 19th-century Russian musical themes, creating an authentic period atmosphere. Kabalevsky composed original themes that reflected Pushkin's emotional and artistic development throughout the film. The score featured piano and string arrangements that evoked the romantic era while maintaining a distinctly Soviet musical sensibility. Musical selections from Pushkin's own time were included, including works by composers he would have known during his lyceum years. The soundtrack was praised for its ability to enhance the emotional narrative without overwhelming the historical setting.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence showing young Pushkin's arrival at Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, with the camera following him through the historic gates and corridors
• The poetry reading scene where Pushkin first shares his work with classmates, capturing the moment of artistic revelation
• The winter scene in the lyceum gardens where students discuss Russia's future, their breath visible in the cold air
• The graduation ceremony sequence, showing the transition from student life to the broader world
• The intimate study scene where Pushkin works late by candlelight, surrounded by books and manuscripts

What Critics Said

Contemporary Soviet critics praised the film for its historical accuracy and artistic merit, with particular emphasis on the authentic recreation of the lyceum atmosphere. The performance of Valentin Litovskiy as young Pushkin was widely acclaimed, with critics noting his ability to capture both the poet's youthful energy and emerging genius. Western critics at the Paris Exhibition were impressed by the film's technical quality and artistic vision, with several commenting on its sophisticated cinematography and attention to period detail. Modern film historians view the work as an important example of 1930s Soviet biographical cinema, noting its skillful navigation of ideological requirements while maintaining artistic integrity. Some contemporary critics have pointed out the film's limitations in addressing the full complexity of Pushkin's political views, though this is understood as a product of its time.

What Audiences Thought

The film was enthusiastically received by Soviet audiences, who were eager for cultural content during a period of intense political turmoil. Many viewers appreciated the opportunity to see a detailed recreation of Pushkin's youth, making the national poet more accessible and relatable. The film's success at the Paris Exhibition was a source of national pride, and attendance figures were strong in major Soviet cities. Despite the political climate of 1937, audiences connected with the human story of artistic development and education. The film was particularly popular among intellectuals and students, who saw parallels between Pushkin's lyceum experience and their own educational journeys. Over time, the film became a staple of Soviet television programming during Pushkin-related cultural events and holidays.

You Might Also Like