Alexandr Sokurov (AFP Photo / Evgeny Taran)
Faust with a Russian twist
Published 21 July, 2009, 12:55
Long takes and genuine artistic performances distinguish films by Aleksander Sokurov. One of Russia’s most renowned filmmakers will start shooting his new film, based on Goethe’s tragic play “Faust”, in August.
The budget of the production is said to be $17 million. Shooting will take place in Iceland and in the Czech Republic, and Icelandic and German actors will take part.
The creator of more than 40 feature and documentary films including “Mother and Son”, “Moloch”, and “Alexandra” is also planning to spend a couple of days shooting in the Vatican.
Sokurov’s films are rich in atmosphere and music. In Soviet times his films stood apart and received negative feedback from the authorities. Now they are being screened at some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, including Cannes, Berlin and Venice.
The 58-year-old director, born in a tiny village in Siberia, lives and works in St. Petersburg.
His latest feature “Alexandra” was set in Chechnya and starred legendary Russian opera singer Galina Vishnevskaya.
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