Vasiliy Ilyin

Actor

Active: 1917

About Vasiliy Ilyin

Vasiliy Ilyin was a Russian actor who appeared during the revolutionary period of 1917, a tumultuous time in Russian history that coincided with major transformations in the nation's film industry. His known filmography consists of a single appearance in 'A Revolutionary' (1917), which places him among the many performers who worked during the transition from Imperial Russian cinema to the early Soviet period. Given the political upheaval of 1917 and the subsequent reorganization of the Russian film industry under Bolshevik control, many actors from this era either left the industry, emigrated, or had their careers disrupted by the changing political landscape. Like many actors of his generation, Ilyin's work was likely influenced by the theatrical traditions of pre-revolutionary Russian stage performance, which emphasized dramatic expression and gesture in the absence of synchronized sound. The limited documentation of his career suggests he may have been either a minor performer, an extra, or someone whose career was cut short by the political and social changes sweeping Russia at the time.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'A Revolutionary' (1917) during the Russian Revolution period

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • A Revolutionary (1917)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Vasiliy Ilyin represents the countless anonymous actors who populated the early Russian film industry during one of its most turbulent periods. His appearance in a film titled 'A Revolutionary' during the actual year of the Russian Revolution places him at a significant historical crossroads where cinema and politics collided. While his individual contribution may have been minimal, he was part of the transitional generation of Russian filmmakers who witnessed the transformation from Imperial to Soviet cinema, a period that would eventually produce some of the most influential directors and films in cinema history.

Lasting Legacy

As an obscure figure from early Russian cinema, Vasiliy Ilyin's legacy is primarily historical rather than artistic. He serves as an example of the many performers whose careers were shaped or cut short by the dramatic political changes of 1917. His single known film appearance during this pivotal year makes him a footnote in the larger story of how the Russian Revolution affected the country's film industry and the artists working within it.

Who They Inspired

Given his extremely limited filmography and lack of documentation, there is no evidence of Vasiliy Ilyin having influenced other actors or filmmakers. His apparent minor role in the industry suggests he was more likely influenced by the prevailing acting styles of the period rather than being an innovator himself.

Off Screen

Very little is documented about Vasiliy Ilyin's personal life, which is typical for many minor actors from the early Russian silent film period. The lack of biographical information suggests he was not a prominent figure in the Russian film industry, and like many performers from this era, his personal details have been lost to history.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in films during the exact year of the Russian Revolution (1917)
  • His entire known filmography consists of a single film
  • The film 'A Revolutionary' (1917) likely had revolutionary themes given its title and release year
  • Many Russian actors from this period either emigrated or disappeared from film records after the revolution
  • Early Russian cinema was heavily influenced by theatrical traditions before developing its own cinematic language
  • 1917 was a transitional year for Russian cinema, moving from Imperial to Soviet control
  • Many films from this period have been lost or are poorly documented

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Vasiliy Ilyin?

Vasiliy Ilyin was a Russian actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'A Revolutionary' (1917). He was active during the turbulent period of the Russian Revolution, a time that dramatically transformed the Russian film industry.

What films is Vasiliy Ilyin best known for?

Vasiliy Ilyin is known only for his appearance in 'A Revolutionary' (1917), which appears to be his sole film credit. The film was released during the year of the Russian Revolution and likely had revolutionary themes.

When was Vasiliy Ilyin born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Vasiliy Ilyin are not documented in available historical records. This lack of biographical information is common for minor actors from the early Russian silent film period.

What awards did Vasiliy Ilyin win?

There are no records of Vasiliy Ilyin receiving any awards or honors for his work in film. Given his extremely limited filmography and the early period in which he worked, formal recognition systems for cinema were not yet established.

What was Vasiliy Ilyin's acting style?

There is no specific documentation of Vasiliy Ilyin's acting style. However, actors in early Russian silent cinema were typically influenced by theatrical traditions, emphasizing dramatic gestures and facial expressions to convey emotion without dialogue.

Films

1 film