Reviews & Ratings for
The Idiot More at IMDbPro »Idiot (original title)

15 out of 19 people found the following review useful:
The most hypnotic acting I've ever seen, 17 August 2006

Author: Fpi

In the period 1955-60 some absolutely incredible movies were made in the Soviet Union. This is no exception. Based on the classic novel, the script of course holds masterpiece quality. Visually, it's also a masterpiece. The music is one of the most dramatic soundtracks I've heard. And not least, Yuliya Borisova in the role of Nastasia Philippovna gives the most charismatic acting performance I've ever seen. Throughout the movie I simply couldn't wait for her to get into the frame again whenever absent. I've never ever been this hypnotised by an actor or an actress before (and I've actually given that careful thought). The other actors also give stellar performances. As the events unfolded, I felt this movie pushed the script to its ultimate limits. At the end, you will find yourself filled up with uncontrolled emotions that you don't even know the name of. The movie is so dramatic that some people may find it unrealistic, but I assure you: these characters are out there in the real world, and this play may have relevance to anyone's life. At some point, most people with brains will seek out this story. My tip is, don't read the book. Don't see any theatre play or movie based on it but this one. Though the movie may take a lifetime to find - *it's worth it*!

2 out of 3 people found the following review useful:
Best Dostoevsky Adaptation Ever, 3 September 2011
Author: Caroline888 from United States

This is how Dostoevsky adaptations need to be, and hardly ever are. 1) Everyone needs to act like they're on crack all the time, 2) It needs to be either snowing or 100 degrees all the time, and 3) Everyone's eyes have to be crazy.

This film meets all those requirements, and it's the only one that does. Although the second part was never made, the first part is worth watching and re-watching. The crazy Soviet montages, the crazy eyes, the red velvet everywhere, the lighting from beneath that makes everyone look like they're in hell...it's brilliant.

The soundtrack is gorgeous. I wish I could find it on mp3. And when one character says to another: "What's wrong with your face?" the face in question is worth the entire film. And it's pure Dostoevsky. HUZZAH for this film.

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