Soviet Films of the 1970s and Early 1980s: Conformity and Non-Conformity Amidst Stagnation Decay - Paperback

by Marina Rojavin (Editor), Tim Harte (Editor)

This book explores a new character archetype that permeated Soviet film during what became known as the era of Stagnation, a stark period of loneliness, disappointment, and individual despair. This new type of character was neither negative nor positive, but nevertheless systematically undermined Soviet norms of behaviour, hairstyle, dress, lifestyle, and perspective, in stark contrast to Socialist Realism's traditional, positive hero who fought for Soviet values and who vanquished the enemies of socialism. The book discusses a wide range of films from the period, showing how the new antiheroic archetype of Stagnation resonated through a multitude of characters, mostly male, and vividly reflected the realities of Soviet life. The book thereby provides great insight into the lives, outlook, and psychology of citizens in the late Soviet period.

Author Biography

Marina Rojavin teaches Russian language, culture, and Russian cinema in the Department of Russian at Bryn Mawr College, USA

Tim Harte, Provost and Professor of Russian at Bryn Mawr College, USA, specializes in twentieth-century Russian literature, film, and culture