Total Balalaika Show

Total Balalaika Show is a unique documentary concert film from 1994, featuring a bizarre yet captivating blend of musical styles and cultural performances. This film, directed by Aki Kaurismäki, is not your typical concert documentary. It uniquely combines the raw energy of rock music with the structured discipline of classical orchestral arrangements.

Total Balalaika Show showcases an unusual amalgamation of two distinctive music outfits: the Alexandrov Red Army Ensemble and the Finnish rock band, Leningrad Cowboys. As a result, the film gives a surprising yet impressive fusion rendered to its viewers.

The Alexandrov Red Army Ensemble, also known as the Red Army Choir, is a world-renowned Russian performing ensemble. It is a powerful force in the world of music, known for their size and dramatic performances which include a choir, an orchestra, and a dance ensemble. The contrast between this disciplined collective and the Finnish rock band, Leningrad Cowboys, is stark. Leningrad Cowboys are known for their whimsical parodies of rock and roll clichés with an undeniably eccentric look and an eclectic musical style that mixes rock with other genres.

The documentary captures an exceptional concert held at the Senate Square in Helsinki. It is novel because of the varied mix of American rock and roll, older schlagers, and iconic Russian songs - all represented in a peculiar melange of musical style and cultural manifestation. The concert hosts around 70,000 spectators who represent an eclectic mix of the population in Helsinki, showing the wide-reaching draw of this unique musical event.

The blending of traditional Russian choir singing, the orchestral support, and a rock band's edgy style is truly interesting. It represents an inspiring attempt at cultural crossing, breaking boundaries, and evoking a spirit of unity and shared human experience through music. Known for their distinctive costumes and hairstyles - the black suits, oversize black winklepicker shoes and outlandishly long, sharp-pointed quiffs of the Leningrad Cowboys synchronize eccentrically with the uniforms and orderly arrangement of the Red Army Choir.

Total Balalaika Show begins by showing the setup of the concert, moving into the performance and highlighting various moments of interaction between the two performing groups. The Finnish rock band, Leningrad Cowboys, took the lead in performance displaying their lyrical prowess in classic rock songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" or "Let's Work Together."

On the other hand, Alexandrov’s Red Army Ensemble complemented the rock tunes with their melodious chorus and synchronized dance moves, adding an operatic flair to the rock and roll tunes and adjusting smoothly to the band’s whimsical style. Iconic figures like Twist-Twist Erkinharju and Ben Granfelt grace the stage with their exceptional talents, bringing depth to every performance while navigating the cultural and creative crossroads beautifully.

The synergy between the two groups is indeed compelling. The film records almost earnestly the hugely entertaining and occasionally surreal renditions of popular rock classics, alongside a slew of other iconic numbers rendered with an unconventional yet beguiling spin. Each collaborator contributes uniquely to the performances—both relaxing and dramatic—with a tinge of humor and plenty of surprises along the way.

Great attention has been paid to maintaining the authenticity of the performances and the uniqueness of the concert experience. Total Balalaika Show is professionally filmed, with excellent sound quality, capturing the ambiance of the concert, and maintaining a perfect balance between showcasing the performances and highlighting audience reactions.

The most striking aspect of the film is its unique way of bringing two strikingly different cultural performances together, thereby metaphorically illustrating the universal language of music. It's a shining interpretation of how music, regardless of its form or style, can unify people across geographical and cultural differences.

Overall, Total Balalaika Show is a real treat for concert lovers, documentary enthusiasts or anyone interested in seeing a unique and dramatic melding of music styles. It's a standout example of cultural exchange at its most entertaining, truly enjoyable, and sure to linger in your memory.