Kosmicheskiy reys: Fantasticheskaya novella (1936)

Director:

Vasili Zhuravlyov

Writers:

Aleksandr Filimonov (writer)
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (novel)

Release Date:

21 January 1936 (Soviet Union)

Genre:

Sci-Fi

Plot:

The science fiction film "Kosmicheskii Reis" was first shown in Soviet theaters in January 1936. Soviet...

Plot Keywords:

Moon | Spacecraft | Hero | Progressive Scientist | Telescope

Cast

Sergei Komarov	...	Pavel Ivanovich Sedikh, academician
K. Moskalenko	...	Professor Marina
Vassili Gaponenko	...	Andryusha Orlov, a boy
Nikolai Feoktistov	...	Capt. Viktor Orlov
Vasili Kovrigin	...	Professor Karin (as V. Kovrigin)

Also Known As:

Cosmic Journey (International: English title) (informal title)
The Space Ship
The Space Voyage (International: English title) (DVD title)

Runtime:

USA:70 min

Country:

Soviet Union

Language:

Russian

Color:

Black and White

Sound Mix:

Silent

Company:

Mosfilm

Even though I can't speak a word of Russian, this is fascinating on a purely visual level

The print of this incredibly rare Soviet space exploration film I saw came without translated title cards. Since I can't speak Russian, I'm judging this on a purely visual level. The basics of the storyline seem simple enough and the acting seems good enough (I've seen Fritz Lang's "Woman in the Moon", which seems to be a source of inspiration), but still, since I couldn't pick up on many of the characters and how developed or not they are, I could be wrong with any assessment in this department.

Interestingly enough, since I wasn't weighed down by the storyline, the propaganda aspects seem all the more apparent. It makes me wonder if Sergei Eisenstein's films would be less subtle if I couldn't understand the story dynamics. The themes of workers cooperating in union to advance their cause seems to be the main theme of the story (when building up the rocket, no one ever seems to be in command of the final project).

The main point of interest for me outside of the propaganda were the visuals. While primitive by today's standards, the special effects of weightlessness in space, the incorporation of animation, and especially several mind-blowing tracking shots were all incredibly advanced for their time. They often remind one of Georges Melies, the fantasy master of silent cinema. Even if you don't speak a lick of Russian, this may be compelling for its technical aspects. (7/10)