Gogol. Nachalo

Gogol. Nachalo is a thrilling 2017 Russian mystery-horror movie that brilliantly introduces audiences to the extraordinary fictional world of Nikolai Gogol, one of Russia's preeminent authors. Produced and directed by Egor Baranov, the film is heavily tinged with elements of supernatural mystery, grisly murders and delusions, creating a haunting atmosphere that sticks with the viewers long after the end credits have rolled.

The film stars Alexander Petrov in the leading role as young Nikolai Gogol, alongside a talented ensemble that includes Margarita Adaeva, Sergey Badyuk, and Filipp Dyachkov in supporting yet critical roles. With a screenplay meticulously crafted by Natalya Kudryavtseva, the movie serves as the precursor to a series of films which are part of the larger 'Gogol' franchise.

Gogol. Nachalo plunges viewers into the early 19th-century Russian countryside - a distinctly atmospheric setting marked by misty forests, sprawling landscapes, and rural simplicity. It sets the stage for a tale of mystery and suspense as the seemingly peaceful township is shaken by a series of grisly murders that leave its inhabitants in terror and disbelief. As the bogs drain the life out of the victims leaving frightful faces etched onto the corpses, the mystifying circumstances ponder the existence of supernatural elements.

Amidst the eerie happenings, we meet Gogol himself, a humble government clerk and aspiring writer battling crippling bouts of unconsciousness and strange, terrifying visions that blur the lines of reality and horror. Recognizing these visions as potential premonitions, Gogol is encouraged by a close confidante to see them not as a curse but as a special ‘gift’.

Upon the urging of Yakov Petrovich Guro, played by Oleg Menshikov, an experienced and mysterious detective, Gogol is reluctantly drawn into the investigation of the brutal murders that have befallen the village. The movie cleverly uses Gogol’s own haunting hallucinations as a tool to cow the pervasive evil that stalks the town.

Meanwhile, Sergey Badyuk in the role of a stern and enigmatic Yarmolnik, lends an air of authority, while Margarita Adaeva as Lisa adds a dash of romance to the otherwise grim narrative, becoming the sole beacon of hope and light in Gogol's life and tying him to the quotidian world.

As the narrative unfolds, the movie explores the thin line separating fantasy from reality. The film does an extraordinary job in depicting Gogol's delirium, as we, along with the character himself, struggle to make sense of his wild visions and the real-life horrors plaguing the town. Is Gogol indeed gifted with a supernatural power that can help save his town, or are these just illusions penned by the fertile mind of a budding author?

Gogol. Nachalo serves not just as an exceptionally well-crafted horror film, but also as an intimate exploration of Gogol as a complex character – a fragile, troubled soul yearning for normality, but constantly finding himself lost within the labyrinth of his own mind. Petrov beautifully captures the nuances of Gogol's character, making him relatable even amidst a narrative rich in otherworldly themes.

In terms of production design and cinematography, Gogol. Nachalo masters the art of visual storytelling, with spectacularly eerie shots of the Russian landscape and painstaking attention to historical details in costume and sets. The result is a breathtakingly dark and haunting atmosphere that perfectly balances the narrative's horror aspects with the historical setting and cultural elements.

In conclusion, Gogol. Nachalo is not just a simple biopic or historical flick; it transcends the traditional confines of genre and emerges as a fascinating amalgamation of historical drama, horror, and psychological thriller. It creatively weaves real-life author Gogol's tormented life with elements of his own literary world, achieving a remarkable blend of history, fiction, and film, effortlessly transporting viewers into the entralling world of an extraordinary writer's mind. For those who are not faint-hearted and appreciate a blend of spine-chilling horror with riveting storytelling, Gogol. Nachalo is a must-watch. Be prepared to embark on a remarkable journey that will leave you questioning your perception of reality.