Dovlatov

Dovlatov, a 2018 biographical drama directed by Aleksey German Jr., maps the six days of the life of the brilliant, ironic writer Sergei Dovlatov, who saw beyond the rigid strictures of Soviet-era Russia. The protagonist is played magnificently by Serbian actor Milan Maric, who captures the nuances of Dovlatov’s complex personality. The cast also includes renowned Russian actor Danila Kozlovskiy and Polish actress Helena Sujecka, adding wonderful depth and intensity to the narrative. The screenplay is co-written by Aleksey German Jr. and Yulya Tupikina.

Set in 1971 Leningrad, an era of rigid censorship and deep-seated fear, the film immerses the audience in a time when artists were under continual political scrutiny; their artistic freedom was held, quite often, at the merciless discretion of the Communist Party. Sergei Dovlatov's rejection from the state-controlled writers' union — a decision marking, essentially, institutional delegitimization of his work — serves as a grim shove into the Orwellian reality of Soviet bureaucracy, where permission to be published was a whimsical nod bestowed by those ensnared in a paradoxical veil of power and fear.

Yet, Dovlatov does not settle into the stereotypical template of the tortured artist crumbling under societal pressures. He is persistent and constantly ponders upon the symbiotic relationship between the artist and the state. His artistic lens captures the paradox of creativity thriving under stifling constraints, asserting that a truly gifted artist is set apart by their ability to create within any straitjacket imposed upon them. His brilliance lies in his resilience, resistance and veracious observation of society, all in pursuit of relentless creation.

Maric embodies the multi-faceted Dovlatov — he is charming and witty, yet underpinned by a persistent melancholia resulting from his incessant clashes with state dictates. Maric's performance helps the audience delve into Dovlatov’s soul, echoing his rebellion, frustration, and the subtle fear that gnaws subtly at the edges of his defiant exterior. Dovlatov’s exchanges with Kozlovskiy’s character Joseph Brodsky, depict the stark contrast between two talented writers shaped by the same oppressive society — their trajectories a haunting reminder of Dovlatov's own artistic fate in his homeland.

Helena Sujecka adds another layer to the narrative as Elena Dovlatov, Sergei's estranged wife. Her muted presence is no less impactful, serving as a subtle foil to Dovlatov’s relentless rebellious spirit — they are both victims, bearing the brunt of an oppressive society from opposite ends of the spectrum.

The cinematography in the film deserves a special mention. Lush, muted tones used throughout the narrative give a visual depth to the story, engulfing the audience with an authentic sense of 70s-era Leningrad. From crowds marching in the street to smoke-filled literary salons, the movie provides a unique, intimate look at the Soviet writer's all-encompassing world. It also brings forth the contrast between the vibrant cultural scene and the stifling political environment that co-existed in a strange symbiosis during those times.

Music also plays a pivotal role in the film — it is sparingly used, making it even more impactful. The film also carries with it a legendary legacy — Dovlatov was deceased at the time of its release — but his work continues to influence countless Russian writers while he posthumously gained international acclaim.

Dovlatov requires patience. It’s not propelled by dramatic ‘movie moments' typical of blockbusters. Instead, the daily struggle for artistic freedom against an oppressive regime, the humor, the sadness, the poetry — they all of these elements are pieced together beautifully in this film, making it a testament to the life and times of Sergei Dovlatov, a real-life antihero. The struggle of art against the state is an age-old story but is as relevant today as it was during Dovlatov’s time. Dovlatov paints this narrative, a delicate dance played on the razor’s edge of societal norms and individual freedom. It is a must-watch, not just for the culture enthusiasts and students of history, but for anyone who appreciates complex characters and rich storytelling.