G. Matvei
Actor
About G. Matvei
G. Matvei was a Soviet actor who appeared during the late silent film era, with his only known credited role being in Sergei Eisenstein's influential 1929 film 'The General Line' (also known as 'Old and New'). As was common in Soviet cinema of this period, many performers in Eisenstein's films were non-professional actors or peasants selected for their authentic appearance and connection to the subject matter. Matvei's participation in this landmark film places him within the context of early Soviet cinema's revolutionary approach to casting and performance. The film itself was a significant work promoting collectivization, and Eisenstein often used real farmers and workers to enhance the film's documentary-like authenticity. Unfortunately, detailed biographical information about Matvei is extremely limited, suggesting he may have been a non-professional performer whose acting career was confined to this single appearance.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Sergei Eisenstein's 'The General Line' (1929)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
G. Matvei's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, is part of the larger cultural impact of Soviet cinema's innovative casting practices during the silent era. His appearance in 'The General Line' represents the Soviet philosophy of using authentic, non-professional actors to create more realistic and ideologically pure cinema. This approach influenced filmmakers worldwide and contributed to the development of neorealist cinema in later decades.
Lasting Legacy
While G. Matvei himself did not leave a significant individual legacy in film history, his participation in Eisenstein's work makes him part of the enduring legacy of Soviet silent cinema. 'The General Line' remains an important film in the study of early cinema, propaganda film, and Eisenstein's artistic development, ensuring that all its contributors, however minor, have a place in film history.
Who They Inspired
As a likely non-professional actor, G. Matvei's direct influence on other performers would have been minimal. However, his participation in Eisenstein's method of using authentic subjects contributed to the validation of non-professional casting in cinema, an approach that would influence countless filmmakers in subsequent decades.
Off Screen
Very little is known about G. Matvei's personal life, which is typical for many non-professional actors who appeared in Soviet films of the 1920s. His brief appearance in film history suggests he may have been a farmer or worker selected specifically for Eisenstein's film rather than a professional actor.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in one of Sergei Eisenstein's lesser-known but historically significant films
- The General Line was also released under the title 'Old and New'
- Eisenstein frequently used non-professional actors in his films to achieve authenticity
- The film was part of Eisenstein's trilogy about collectivization, though it was released as a standalone work
- Many actors in Soviet films of this era were actual farmers, workers, or soldiers rather than professional performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was G. Matvei?
G. Matvei was a Soviet actor from the late silent film era, known primarily for his appearance in Sergei Eisenstein's 1929 film 'The General Line'. Very little biographical information is available about him, suggesting he may have been a non-professional actor selected for authenticity rather than a career performer.
What films is G. Matvei best known for?
G. Matvei is known only for his appearance in 'The General Line' (1929), directed by Sergei Eisenstein. This appears to be his sole film credit, making his contribution to cinema brief but historically significant as part of Eisenstein's important work.
When was G. Matvei born and when did he die?
The birth and death dates of G. Matvei are not documented in available historical records, which is common for non-professional actors from early Soviet cinema who appeared in only one or two films.
What awards did G. Matvei win?
There are no records of G. Matvei receiving any awards or nominations for his work in cinema, which is typical for non-professional actors from this period in Soviet film history.
What was G. Matvei's acting style?
Given the context of Eisenstein's filmmaking practices and the lack of professional training, G. Matvei's performance would likely have been naturalistic and authentic, reflecting Eisenstein's preference for using real people rather than trained actors to achieve greater realism in his films.
Films
1 film
