The Killers - 1956

This piece is based off the story written by Ernest Hemmingway called "The Killers", and considering the title of this film, we assumed this work of Tarkovsky's would include more action. However, we found it suspenseful because on a number of occasions we thought someone would be around the corner waiting to kill, which kept us engaged. Interestingly enough however, we actually only saw a gun on two different occasions. Although this film was only 19 minutes long, they made good use of the time that they had. Something that stuck out to us as Western viewers was the lack of music used within this film to enhance the plot. In one scene, the whistling done by Tarkovsky himself was the only sound used within the film besides voice. This whistling also influenced the scene, because the man whistling had no idea of the current situation unraveling. With two men tied up in the kitchen, we as the audience, felt this made the scene more suspenseful. Also, we were impressed at how a cultural aspect was included within such a short film. We see the killers enter the diner in search of Mr. Anderson, but end up taking the cook, who was African, captive. This implies to the audience, no matter when this film is viewed, that racial tensions were present during that time.

This film was shot all indoors with a simple story line. There were two instances when the camera angles were used to show another's perspective. As the photos show below, this use of a formal device, exhibits his fear and emotion.







As we learned through research, students worked to make this film and this film was made while Tarkovsky was in film school, VGIK, which means it was one of his first pieces of work. We were impressed with this piece considering it was made in film school, and during the year of 1956 in the Soviet Union, because of its quality. While the story was simple, the plot was elaborate considering how many characters and perspectives were included. Having viewed this, we are anxious to see more of Tarkovsky's work further into his career.

Let us introduce ourselves...

привет. While we can't speak Russian, in the next few weeks, we would like to explore & seek to encounter the Russian culture and traditions through the works of Andrei Tarkovsky. From his films, to even Tarkovsky's diary, we will investigate and critique, as we strive to understand what drove Tarkovsky to create in the ways that he did. Some of Tarkovsky's films we will view include:

The Killers - 1956
Ivan's Childhood - 1962
Mirror - 1975
Stalker - 1979
Voyage in Time - 1982; documentary

...as well as his diary titled, "Time Within Time: The Diaries 1970-1986"

We will begin in following the next weeks, by striving to understand the environment in which Tarkovsky created films. Through using the various books and articles we have been able to compile, we will then become one of his audience members and as we watch our first of Tarkovsky's films, The Killers. As a team, we will progress into movie critics as we evaluate his films.

As college students, we are seeking to have a better understanding, as well as acceptance, of world cinema. We hope other fellow college students will become audience members with us, as we immerse in the works and life of Andrei Tarkovsky.