Alexander Sokurov's film allows the viewer to spend time with the most famous classical music couple in Russia, Mstislav Rostropovich and Galina Vishnevskaya. He is a most accomplished cellist, having inspired and premiered works by Shostakovich and Prokofiev; she, untrained, has the most incredible and surprisingly natural voice and has opened a school for the operatic arts after having achieved on the stage herself. These are incredible musicians, and would have made for a great film but sadly, Elegy of a Life isn't it. In two parts, thoroughly disconnected from one another, it lacks direction and it is also a little sexist. Rostropovich is engaged in wonderful discussions, though not contextualised for those without a classical music background, about performing, composing and life as a musician but Sokurov only seems to be interested in Vishnevskaya's family life, and life as a mother. At times, it seems as if he is unaware of her musical accomplishments. What is most frustrating and thoroughly irritating is Sokurov's narration. It is in first-person and the monotone delivery is mixed far too close to the foreground. It's grating. It really destroys the elegance of his subjects and makes for, frankly, painful viewing. Thankfully, when there is music making, he disappears. Sadly though, there are glimpses of the couples' performances but Sokurov denies us the opportunity to see them all the way through. They are either cut short or interlocked with other scenes and in some cases, jumbled amongst other performances. In the end, this documentary doesn't do these remarkable musicians justice. It's just not a good film.
5.5 on the DaveScale.
(dir. Alexander Sokurov, Russia, 110 mins)
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