Product Description

Eisenstein's last, unfinished masterpiece is a strange, complex and haunting film. Commissioned personally by Stalin in 1941, the project placed Eisenstein in the paradoxical situation of having to glorify Stalinist tyranny in the image of Ivan, without sacrificing his own artistic and political integrity - or his life. Drawing on sources that include Eisenstein's personal archive and the memoirs of those involved in Ivan's making, Joan Neuberger's vivid account reveals how, in almost impossible circumstances, he managed to create a film of cinematic innovation, intellectual depth and political critique. She reveals the film to be both a great work of art and a product of the time and place in which it was made.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #885409 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Review
Modern Language Review: "often perceptive discussion of the aesthetic devices employed in the film" "particularly thoughtful and well-informed assessment of the visual imagery" "the book can be recommended as a useful guide to viewers of the DVD version of Eisenstein's masterpiece"

About the Author
Joan Neuberger is Professor of History and Director of the Russian, East European and Eurasian Centre, The University of Texas at Austin.