Explain how the political, social and economic upheaval created by the aftermath of both the Russian Revolution and WW1 affected the production and content of classic Soviet Constructivist Cinema.

Politically, the Soviet Union utilised cinema as a propaganda tool. However after The Russian Revolution had taken place in 1917, the country was freeing itself from the grips of the ruling elite so it desired to revolutionise all aspects of Russia, including its cultural life. Art was to be in service of the new, Communist society.  ‘Constructivists believed that art should reflect the modern industrial world. Hence they disapproved of any kind of stylization.’

The Soviet montage also became an influential film movement focusing on the editing techniques of a film compared to content alone. The concept is that different sequences edited together in juxtaposition can express a new and separate complex idea. (Kuleshov effect). However, The Soviet Montage movement officially ended when the Marxist leader Joseph Stalin rose to power after Lenin’s death.

The Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography, which resides in Moscow, is the oldest ever film school and still operates today. Now with new technology, techniques and equipment. It is the only state film school in the Russian Federation that has its own educational film studio with full technical equipment for the production of films and videos. Including multiple areas to study, such as animation, screenwriting, acting, editing, producing etc.

This constructivist art often uses geometric shapes, coloured with bright primary colours.

Films from the Hollywood Film Noir period which have clear influences from German Expressionism:

The aftermath of World War One and the Russian Revolution had a significant impact on the production and content of classic Soviet constructionist cinema. Russia had become a communist country, and many films were created for propaganda, in support of communism and anti-tsarist (the previous leaders). They were often anti-authority and supported the working class.

The Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, Russia, also known as VGIK, has changed significantly since its founding in 1919. In 2023, it remains one of the most prestigious film schools in the world and is still a state-run institution, however, the school has become more focused on international collaboration and has opened its doors to students from around the world. The school has also starting including courses in areas such as animation, television, and video games. The VGIK has also developed in teaching methods and technology, using the latest equipment and techniques, such as digital editing and production equipment, as well as the latest software for post-production. While the fundamental principles of VGIK remain the same, the school is still considered to be at the forefront of film education and training.

The Russian expressionist art movement emerged in the early 20th century and was characterized by the use of a more abstract approach to art. Some of the stylistic conventions associated with the movement include the use of bold and vibrant colors, distorted and exaggerated shapes forms, symbolic imagery, and experimentation with new materials and techniques such as collage and mixed media. The movement aimed to express different states of the human mind, explore philosophy and spirituality, and reflect the turbulent political and social climate of the time. The Russian expressionist art movement was influential in shaping the development of modern art in Russia and beyond.

Within these two paintings, you can visibly see these conventions throughout, Rodchenkos piece featuring more vibrant red tones while Tatlins bears a wider colour palette, both containing very abstract, sometimes geometric shapes. Rodchenko also uses mixed media within his work, which places it within a more relatable and realistic concept that connects with the audience of the time.

The aftermath of the First World War and the Russian Revolution had a significant impact on the production and content of classic Soviet constructionist cinema. Politically, the establishment of the Soviet Union as a socialist state resulted in the use of cinema as a tool for propaganda to promote Vladimir Lenin’s socialist ideologies. Socially, the Bolsheviks wanted to create a more egalitarian society by promoting concepts of communism, which was reflected in the content of Soviet cinema. Economically, the nationalization of the film industry by the Soviet government meant that they had more control over domestic filmmaking.

The content of classic Soviet constructionist cinema was designed to inspire the working class and promote socialist values. Films often depicted the struggles of the working classes and celebrated the country’s developments in science and technology. They also portrayed the triumph of the collective over the individual.

Visually, Soviet constructionist cinema was characterized by its use of montage. This technique was used to create a sense of urgency and inspire viewers to take action in a way that cinema hadn’t done before, which is why this style of filmmaking was considered to be so unique.