Durakovo: Village of Fools (2008) User Reviews

Documentary about a Microcosm of Putin's Russia

[sh_bronstein · 10/10 · 18 January 2009]

This documentary shows life in a camp led by Mikhail Morozov. He claims "God" has given him authority to lead the people in this camp. He teaches them blind obedience and destroys all form of initiative in them. The people in this camp are not allowed to have a mobile phone or to have direct contact with the outside world, they have to listen to lectures and do physical work. They learn to hate democracy and "the West", and to despise foreigners living in Russia. Morozov believes in the geographical expansion of Russia's territory and in a strong authoritarian type of state. The film follows Morozov as he meets with politicians, church leaders and members of Russia's military. There is no voice over comment, the director thus allows the viewer to listen and assess for him/herself. Nevertheless the camera speaks through poignant images of the contrast in Morozov's own life and the life of those under him. The deep inequality and horrifying authoritarianism in "Durakovo", as well as the appalling racism and anti-Semitism haunt the viewer hours and days after watching this film. As a researcher on Eastern Europe, I highly recommend this film. What it shows is not representative for all of Russia, but it does show a mentality that has been growing under President/ Prime Minister Putin.

boring but thoughtful

[jpastukas · 5/10 · 28 October 2008]

It would have been a respectable representation of the modern Russian political and social reality under Vladimir Putin if it would not be so boring and repetitive. There have been several places where you could feel having seen the same over and over again. The same ideas and suggestions offered to the viewer repeatedly have made an impression of overly extended presentation. Sometimes it seemed that the film could have been at least 3 times shorter as it was. On the other hand, an ignorant or interested viewer is able to make a well grounded view of the present peoples' feelings in the yet revived Russian 'derzhava'. People simply are so obsessed about the formula about the never-failing "tzar the father" e.g. the president.