Battleship Potemkin

Revolution is the only lawful, equal, effectual war. It was in Russia that this war was declared and begun. In 1925, Sergei M. Eisenstein was commissioned by the Soviet government to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Potemkin uprising of 1905. The result became one of the most beloved and enduring films in cinema: Bronenosets Potemkin / Battleship Potemkin (1925). Presented in five segments (and in news-reel form), the director’s second feature film is not only a dramatic story about a disillusioned battleship crew’s revolutionary mutiny over the unjust treatment they suffer. It’s first and foremost a propaganda film. In fact, as much as it is one of the greatest films of all time, it is among the best propaganda films ever made. Of course, this mustn’t deter you from this masterpiece. For It still remains watchable, even to a much modern audience and remains a film of great historical importance. To some, Eisenstein’s film may seem like an ordinary silent film. However, for those who hold this film dear to their hearts, it’s incredible images, timeless score, and an unbelievably compelling emotion. Yet within the confines of this behemoth of a film lies complete structural and contextual simplicity. Sure with such simplicity there’s a typical call to arms message of the typical propaganda films of its times somewhere to be found in it, but the biggest theme in Battleship Potemkin is a powerful tale of good versus evil, told and displayed with cunning beauty. But not only is it unique in its thematic nature. It’s also one of, if not the greatest shot film of the silent age. Quite awe-inspiring in its delivery, every facet of cinematography is on full display. With that in mind, it almost makes the list of the what I like to call greatest “art films” of all. The score by Shostakovich in the original release of the film is obviously (to me, anyway) the work of complete and utter mastery. Often fully capsulizing the feeling and action of a given scene, it’s beauty cannot be understated nor underrated by any means. A review of this film cannot nearly be complete without mentioning one of the famous scenes in cinematic history that is included in this film. Such a scene has been dissected (as, quite frankly, this film as a whole has) countless times in film schools across the world. The scene is the Odessa Steps scene. So meticulously crafted it is in detail and emotion that to viewers, it stands out as the most intense moment of the film. It goes without saying that this poignant moment in cinema history has just got to be seen to be believed. It is for these, among many other reasons, that Battleship Potemkin, the masterwork of Sergei Eisenstein is rightfully placed among the greatest films ever to be created.

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