Gogol. The Beginning

Gogol. The Beginning is an intrinsically Russian and grandly entertaining film that greets audiences in 2017. It's a spirited fusion of historical drama, detective thriller, and supernatural horror that offers a unique perspective on Nikolai Gogol, the renowned 19th-century Russian author responsible for "Dead Souls" and "The Overcoat." The movie is directed by Egor Baranov and stars Sergey Badyuk and Oleg Menshikov.

The film presents an alternative biography of the famed writer, imagining him as a real-life detective who utilizes his keen observation skills and intuition to solve chilling mysteries. His stories aren't mere works of fiction but records of his real-life experiences with the supernatural.

The titular character, Nikolai Gogol, is portrayed by Sergey Badyuk. A gifted actor, Badyuk brilliantly embodies a character defined by intelligence, curiosity, and occasional fearfulness. On the other hand, Oleg Menshikov enkindles his role as Yakov Petrovich Guro, a seasoned investigator. Guro is relentless, observant, and sometimes harsh, characteristics Menshikov forcefully brings to life.

The film begins with Gogol working as a lowly government clerk in St. Petersburg, suffering from grueling headaches and terrifying hallucinations. Gogol's tormented psyche and the visions it generates are one of the film's most chilling elements. These inexplicable visions lead Gogol to question his sanity, forcing him to seek medical help.

However, due to an unusual turn of events, Gogol finds himself and his hallucinations embroiled in a horrifying series of murders in the small village of Dikanka. It seems as though the visions he's experiencing are inextricably linked with the strangulation murders that have confounded local authorities and spread terror among the village folk.

Aided by the seasoned investigator Guro, Gogol is persuaded to use his strange visions to solve the case. What follows is a riveting murder mystery infused with supernatural elements and 19th-century Russian folklore that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. As Gogol delves deeper into the investigation, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural become unsettlingly blurred, and he himself is caught in the crossfires of good and evil, reality and fantasy.

One of the many significant highlights of Gogol. The Beginning is its atmospheric setting. It authentically recreates the landscape and living conditions of the 19th-century Russian countryside, giving the movie a strong sense of place and time, whilst the impeccable production design and Gothic cinematography enhance the eerie undertone of the film.

At the same time, the script offers an enriching depth into Gogol's character - his neurotic turmoil, his struggle with his condition, and his transformation from a meek clerk to an intrepid detective. It's an engaging character study wrapped neatly within the tale's mystery and horror elements.

Moreover, the film does an excellent job of building a complex, cryptic storyline that leads audiences through a maze of mystifying clues, shocking discoveries and deeply rooted superstitions. It oscillates between the natural and supernatural smoothly, bringing thrills and chills at expected and unexpected moments.

In conclusion, Gogol. The Beginning is a cinematic spectacle, offering a fresh take on historical biographies. While it may not be strictly loyal to the historical facts, the film more than compensates for it with its creative storytelling and rich atmosphere. With a perfect blend of thrilling narratives, striking performances, and impeccable production quality, this movie is definitely a must-watch for any fan of horror, detective, and historical genres. The fact that it’s part of a bigger trilogy adds to its appeal, setting the ground for more excitement in the installments to come.