Vasili Sofronov
Actor
About Vasili Sofronov
Vasili Sofronov was a Soviet actor who appeared during the early sound era of Russian cinema. His known film work consists of the 1940 historical war film 'Defeat of Yudenich,' directed by the renowned Vsevolod Pudovkin. This film depicted the crucial events of the Russian Civil War, specifically focusing on the defeat of General Nikolai Yudenich's White Army forces near Petrograd in 1919. Sofronov's role in this production places him within the context of Soviet cinema's propaganda efforts during the Stalin era, when historical films were used to reinforce revolutionary narratives. His appearance in a Pudovkin film suggests he may have been part of the state-sponsored film industry at Moscow's major studios. The limited documentation of his career indicates he was likely a character actor rather than a leading star, which was common for many Soviet performers of this period who appeared in ensemble casts. His work represents the thousands of supporting actors who contributed to Soviet cinema's golden age of historical epics during the 1930s and 1940s.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Vsevolod Pudovkin's historical film 'Defeat of Yudenich' (1940)
- Participated in Soviet cinema's historical epic genre during the Stalin era
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
As a supporting actor in Soviet historical cinema, Vasili Sofronov contributed to the cultural project of creating a revolutionary narrative through film. The movie 'Defeat of Yudenich' was part of the Soviet effort to legitimize the Bolshevik victory in the Civil War and educate audiences about key historical events. While his individual impact was minimal due to his supporting role status, he participated in the larger Soviet cinematic tradition that used historical epics as tools for ideological education and national identity formation.
Lasting Legacy
Vasili Sofronov's legacy is primarily preserved through his participation in 'Defeat of Yudenich,' a film that represents an important example of Soviet historical cinema from the Stalin era. Though not a major star, his contribution to this significant historical film places him within the broader context of Soviet film history. His work serves as a testament to the many character actors who formed the backbone of Soviet cinema's golden age, supporting the leading stars and directors while helping to create the epic scale that characterized Soviet historical productions of the 1930s and 1940s.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actor with only one known film credit, Vasili Sofronov's direct influence on other actors or directors appears to have been limited. However, his participation in a Pudovkin film places him within the influential tradition of Soviet cinema that would later impact international filmmaking. The collective work of actors like Sofronov in Soviet historical films helped establish techniques and approaches to ensemble acting in large-scale productions that would influence cinema worldwide.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Vasili Sofronov's personal life, which is typical for supporting Soviet actors from this period who were not major stars. Personal details about character actors were rarely documented in Soviet film archives unless they achieved significant recognition.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in a film directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin, one of the most important Soviet directors of the silent and early sound era
- Participated in Soviet cinema's focus on historical epics during the 1930s-1940s
- The film 'Defeat of Yudenich' was released just before the Soviet Union entered World War II
- Soviet historical films of this period were often used as political propaganda tools
- Character actors like Sofronov were essential to the Soviet film industry's ability to produce large-scale historical epics
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vasili Sofronov?
Vasili Sofronov was a Soviet actor active during the early sound era of Russian cinema, known primarily for his appearance in the 1940 historical war film 'Defeat of Yudenich' directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin. He appears to have been a character actor who contributed to Soviet cinema's historical epic genre.
What films is Vasili Sofronov best known for?
Vasili Sofronov is known for appearing in 'Defeat of Yudenich' (1940), a Soviet historical film about the Russian Civil War. This appears to be his only documented film credit, suggesting he may have had a brief career or primarily worked in theater.
When was Vasili Sofronov born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Vasili Sofronov are not available in existing film archives, which is common for supporting Soviet actors from this period who were not major stars. He was active in 1940 during the Stalin era of Soviet cinema.
What awards did Vasili Sofronov win?
There are no documented awards or honors for Vasili Sofronov, which is typical for character actors who appeared in single films during this period of Soviet cinema. Major recognition was generally reserved for leading actors and directors.
What was Vasili Sofronov's acting style?
Specific details about Vasili Sofronov's acting style are not documented in available sources. As a Soviet actor working in a historical epic, he likely employed the realistic yet ideologically-informed performance style characteristic of Soviet cinema of the 1940s.
Films
1 film
