Chekhovian Motifs (Region 1 Import DVD)

A Chekhov classic gets a contemporary twist with this adaptation from controversial Russian filmmaker Kira Muratova. Muratova's unique approach to filmmaking breaks down the barriers between the imagined and actual worlds, creating a cinematic sphere in which reality and fantasy seamlessly coexist. Part-tragedy/part-comedy, CHEKHOVIAN MOTIFS is a black and white film which re-imagines Chekhov's play "Tatiana Repina," and also his lesser-known story, "Difficult Men." The film follows the going-ons of a small wedding ceremony, and goes on to muse about several philosophies of life. These subjects provide the stage on which Muratova displays a wide range of filmmaking styles. Muratova also enjoys playing with dialogue from the intellectual to the outright crude.