In Andrei Tarkovsky’s Nostalghia (1983), a Russian poet adrift in Italy grapples with homesickness and a deep spiritual yearning.
I watched this visually stunning film and found it mesmerizing yet often enigmatic.
Its slow pace and focus on mood over plot may not be for everyone, but Nostalghia offers a haunting exploration of loneliness, memory, and the human search for meaning.
Key Takeaways
- Nostalghia is a visually stunning, but slow-paced and often enigmatic film by acclaimed Soviet director Andrei Tarkovsky.
- The film explores themes of homesickness, spiritual longing, and the difficulty of communication.
- Its meditative style and ambiguous symbolism may not appeal to all viewers.
Nostalghia Movie Review: Verdict
If you enjoy slow-paced, atmospheric films focused on inner turmoil and philosophical questions, then is worth considering. However, be prepared for a deliberately paced, often ambiguous exploration of longing and spiritual yearning – it’s not a conventional viewing experience.
| Aspect of the Film | Rating (out of 5) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Visuals and Atmosphere | 4.5 | Haunting imagery, masterful use of fog, decay, and water |
| Acting | 3.5 | Oleg Yankovsky delivers a powerful performance as Gorchakov |
| Pacing | 1.5 | Extremely slow, can be challenging for many viewers |
| Thematic Depth | 3.5 | Explores complex ideas about nostalgia, faith, and isolation |
| Accessibility | 1.5 | Dense symbolism and lack of traditional plot may leave some viewers confused or frustrated |
| Overall Rating | 2.5 |
Review and Analysis
- Genre: Drama
- Original Language: Italian
- Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
- Producer: Franco Casati, Daniel Toscan du Plantier
- Writer: Tonino Guerra, Andrei Tarkovsky
- Release Date (Theaters): Jan 8, 1984 Original
- Rerelease Date (Theaters): Feb 21, 2024
- Release Date (Streaming): Jan 30, 2014
- Runtime: 2h 5m
Cinematography and Visual Language
Tarkovsky is celebrated for his use of long, contemplative takes and a distinctive visual language imbued with symbolism.
Nostalghia is no exception. Fog, decaying architecture, and recurring images of water create a dreamlike, disorienting atmosphere.
These elements aren’t mere set dressing; they become crucial metaphors that reflect Gorchakov’s troubled and displaced state of mind.
Throughout the film, images of fire, water, and animals take on particular resonance.
Fire becomes associated with spiritual yearning and sacrifice, while water can suggest cleansing, reflection, or a desire for immersion in the past.
Performances
Oleg Yankovsky delivers a tour de force performance as Andrei Gorchakov.
His expressive face and haunted eyes convey the intensity of the poet’s inner turmoil, even in moments of silence.
He embodies a feeling of isolation and despair that permeates the film.
Erland Josephson plays Domenico, a mysterious and possibly insane figure who offers Gorchakov glimpses of an alternative (if equally troubled) way of being.
Domenico’s character adds a layer of unsettling ambiguity to the film.
Gorchakov tries to make sense of his friend Eugenia, who seems increasingly exasperated by his self-absorption.
Pacing and Narrative Structure
Nostalghia deliberately rejects traditional storytelling conventions.
It’s a film more focused on evoking mood and exploring internal emotional states, rather than delivering a plot-heavy or action-driven narrative.
This can be challenging for viewers accustomed to a faster pace and a more straightforward presentation.
The film often blends dream sequences with waking moments, blurring the lines between reality and the character’s interior world.
The effect is often disorienting but also oddly mesmerizing. For viewers open to these shifts, Nostalghia becomes an almost trancelike cinematic experience.
Themes and Philosophical Questions
Nostalgia isn’t simply sentimental longing in this film. It is a crippling force that prevents Gorchakov from fully engaging with the present.
It feeds his spiritual angst and disconnection.
However, Nostalghia also asks if an attachment to the past is essential for a sense of purpose and belief. Can a future exist without embracing the weight of history?
Communication and Misunderstanding are central to the film.
Even with a translator, Gorchakov struggles to connect meaningfully with those around him.
A constant undercurrent of misunderstandings adds to his sense of alienation and amplifies the existential undertones of the film.
Spiritual Searching and Existential Crisis permeate the film.
Andrei Gorchakov is plagued by feelings of doubt and questions of meaning.
The film hints at themes inspired by Dostoevsky and the struggle with faith in a secularized world.
The Domenico Factor
Madman or the Holy Fool?
One of the most enigmatic figures in Nostalghia is Domenico, played by Erland Josephson. Domenico is an isolated man, considered by many to be mentally unstable.
He lives in a dilapidated house filled with cryptic clues pointing to his apocalyptic worldview.
But could Domenico possess a truth others do not, or is his philosophy truly born of madness?
Contrast with Gorchakov
In sharp contrast to the intellectual, brooding Gorchakov, Domenico is impulsive and unfiltered.
Gorchakov is gripped by despair and a feeling of paralysis, while Domenico takes action – no matter how seemingly mad that action might appear to others.
Domenico’s Sacrifice
The climax of the film centers on Domenico’s ritualistic act: carrying a lit candle across the mineral baths in an effort to save the world.
Is his sacrifice genuine or mere performance?
This question is deliberately left unanswered, fueling further debate about the film’s meaning and the validity of individual truth in the face of societal indifference.
Legacy and Influence
Tarkovsky’s Place in Cinema
Nostalghia stands as a powerful expression of Andrei Tarkovsky’s singular artistic style.
The film exemplifies his commitment to exploring complex themes through arresting visuals and contemplative pacing.
His films demand introspection and engagement from the viewer, becoming less about being entertained and more about being actively absorbed into the director’s unique emotional and philosophical world.
The Slow Cinema Movement
Tarkovsky is regarded as a forerunner of the Slow Cinema movement, influencing several contemporary filmmakers known for long takes, contemplative narratives, and an emphasis on mood over plot.
Directors like Béla Tarr and Nuri Bilge Ceylan carry on this tradition, crafting films that prioritize atmosphere and philosophical depth within seemingly simple narratives.
The Enduring Debate
Does the obscurity of Nostalghia add to its power as cinematic art, or does it make the film needlessly inaccessible?
It’s a debate that continues, reflecting the subjective nature of art and the different levels of engagement that viewers seek from the cinematic experience.
Should You Watch Nostalghia?
Not for Everyone
Nostalghia won’t appeal to everyone. Its deliberate pace, lack of traditional plot mechanics, and focus on internal states will likely frustrate viewers expecting something more straightforward or fast-moving.
Its enigmatic symbolism and ambiguity can also leave those seeking clear answers perplexed.
Who Is this movie for?
Nostalghia resonates most strongly with audiences who:
- Appreciate arthouse and independent cinema: Viewers drawn to slow, contemplative films
- Favor character studies and complex internal journeys: The film is less about what happens externally and more about Gorchakov’s troubled psyche and philosophical battles.
- Enjoy cinema with spiritual and philosophical elements: The film raises questions about faith, the purpose of life, and the individual’s role amidst broader societal decay.
Conclusion
Andrei Tarkovsky’s Nostalghia is a demanding, evocative cinematic experience.
It’s a film that lingers long after viewing, sparking discussions and debate even amongst the most seasoned film-goers.
Although not for everyone, if you’re ready to be pulled into the depths of despair, isolation, and a yearning for the spiritual, Nostalghia is a potent and unforgettable cinematic encounter.
Of course! Let’s round out our Nostalghia film review with frequently asked questions to address common audience queries.
FAQs
Q: What’s the point of the movie Nostalghia movie?
A: There’s no single, definitive answer. Nostalghia operates on multiple levels. On the surface, it explores a Russian poet’s intense homesickness and cultural dislocation in Italy. On a deeper level, it tackles the difficulty of communication, the struggle with faith in a seemingly faithless world, and how attachment to memory interacts with our ability to live fully in the present moment.
Q: Is Nostalghia movie boring?
A: For viewers accustomed to fast-paced, plot-driven movies, Nostalghia might seem boring. It prioritizes atmosphere, internal states, and slow-burning tension over traditional action and storytelling conventions. The beauty of the film lies in its quietude and meditative exploration of existential themes, but this style won’t be for everyone.
Q: Why did Tarkovsky leave Russia?
A: Tarkovsky’s relationship with Soviet censorship had become increasingly strained throughout his career. His films tackled complex themes not always aligned with the state’s approved narratives. With rising frustration over limited artistic freedoms and government interference, he made the difficult decision to remain in Italy after filming Nostalghia, effectively living in exile until his death.
Q: How long is Nostalghia movie?
A: Nostalghia has a runtime of approximately 125 minutes (just over 2 hours).
1 thought on “Nostalghia Movie Review: Haunting, not for everyone”