Nostalghia - Full Gig

Nostalghia is a provocative and deeply introspective film released in 1983. Directed by the highly acclaimed Russian filmmaker, Andrei Tarkovsky, and starring Oleg Yankovskiy, Erland Josephson, Domiziana Giordano, the film presents a profound and personal study of yearning, loss, and personal attachment to one's native culture while trying to adapt to a foreign land. The film brilliantly marries the esoteric elements of philosophy with the vivid and hyper-realistic depictions of human experience, an artistic signature typical of Tarkovsky's illustrious oeuvre.

The narrative of Nostalghia follows protagonist Andrei Gorchakov, a Russian poet played by Oleg Yankovskiy. Gorchakov travels to Italy to research the life of an 18th-century Russian composer who had spent most of his life living there. Accompanied by an Italian guide Eugenia, portrayed by Domiziana Giordano, the pair traverse through various historical sites, exploring the essence of longing and the identity crisis faced by the former composer. Despite the apparent contrast in their characters, with Andrei embodying melancholy and Eugenia embodying the vitality of life, their journey and interactions let us delve into themes of homesickness, reflections on cultural identity, and the metaphysical implications of existing between two cultural realities.

Erland Josephson portrays Domenico, a local mystic whose sanity is often questioned but who provides Gorchakov with a philosophical compass to navigate his internal turmoil. Their encounter with each other forms some of the most memorable dialogues and scenes in the movie, intersecting theology, philosophy, and existentialism. Domenico, who has confined himself in his house for seven years to save the world from an imminent apocalypse, presents a curious juxtaposition to Andrei's metaphorical confinement within his unresolved feelings towards his homeland.

Nostalghia doesn't follow a traditional, linear narrative; rather it operates in a dreamlike, almost allegorical format. It navigates through a series of anecdotes, encounters, dreams, and memory flashbacks that manifest as beautiful, almost surrealistic long takes that hold the viewers captive inside Tarkovsky's unique cinematic universe. The poet's dreams and his realities often overlap, weaving through past, present, and future, constantly intertwining his Italian experiences with nostalgic yearning for his Russian homeland.

The cinematography of this film, featuring the brilliant work of Giuseppe Lanci, is close to a visual symphony. Lanci, teamed with Tarkovsky's extraordinary vision, executes exquisite, atmospheric long takes that perfectly encapsulate the pervasive theme of nostalgia. Long, uncut scenes let the viewers soak in the poignant emotions depicted and add an immersive quality, drawing them directly into Andrei's inner struggle.

The movie’s brilliance is also reflected in its meticulous mise-en-scène that comes packed with layers of representation. Whether it's a dilapidated rural house, an ancient baptismal site, a desolate hotel room or a hot spring amid ruins - the surroundings in Nostalghia are frequently symbolic, encapsulating the protagonist’s psychological state and the philosophical musings of the film itself.

Lastly, the performances in Nostalghia are utterly striking. Oleg Yankovskiy is incredibly convincing and compelling as the somber and contemplative Andrei, while Domiziana Giordano perfectly brings out the vivacity and exotic allure of her character. Erland Josephson, a regular in Ingmar Bergman's films, does an outstanding job playing the seemingly mad yet philosophical Domenico.

In sum, Nostalghia is a nurturing cinematic experience that seamlessly melts the boundaries of cinema and fine art, allowing the audience to delve deeper into the universal human experience of longing and nostalgia. Its poetic narrative, profound performances, and majestic cinematic compositions make it a remarkable piece in the lexicon of world cinema.