The term 'leviathan' no doubt conjures up different things to different people. But, one such thought should be that of 'whale' and other similar large, aquatic animals. As expected, the skeleton of a whale eventually shows up at a beach scene; early on, a short shot of a whale coming up for air.
But keep in mind that there are many synonyms for the title viz. Colossus, titan, behemoth, hulk, mammoth and monster.
So, using a cold bleak story about the socio-political machinations underpinning the daily business within a small, non-descript coastal town in far north Russia, director Zvyagintsev shows how the worst of humanity plot to deprive a family of keeping their legal home that is situated on the banks of the local river and with a commanding overlook of the town.
It's a home built by the father (Kolya) for his wife (Lilya) and son (Roma).
Nobody's perfect, of course, as we learn more about the family and their dysfunctional life together; and exacerbated by the presence of a high-powered lawyer from Moscow (Dimitry) who is having an affair with Lilya while he provides legal assistance to Kolya in the fight to keep his property.
Overshadowing all is the corrupt mayor of the town (Vadim) who, as we learn, will stop at nothing to ensure he wrests the house and land from Kolya.
Which obviously raises the question: why is Vadim so determined to force Kolya to sell? The closing scenes ram that home - no pun intended.
As with all Zvyagintsev's movies, it's a slow burn but well worth your time, in my opinion. And I cannot fault the acting and directing. Eight out of ten for this effort.
Enjoy.
But keep in mind that there are many synonyms for the title viz. Colossus, titan, behemoth, hulk, mammoth and monster.
So, using a cold bleak story about the socio-political machinations underpinning the daily business within a small, non-descript coastal town in far north Russia, director Zvyagintsev shows how the worst of humanity plot to deprive a family of keeping their legal home that is situated on the banks of the local river and with a commanding overlook of the town.
It's a home built by the father (Kolya) for his wife (Lilya) and son (Roma).
Nobody's perfect, of course, as we learn more about the family and their dysfunctional life together; and exacerbated by the presence of a high-powered lawyer from Moscow (Dimitry) who is having an affair with Lilya while he provides legal assistance to Kolya in the fight to keep his property.
Overshadowing all is the corrupt mayor of the town (Vadim) who, as we learn, will stop at nothing to ensure he wrests the house and land from Kolya.
Which obviously raises the question: why is Vadim so determined to force Kolya to sell? The closing scenes ram that home - no pun intended.
As with all Zvyagintsev's movies, it's a slow burn but well worth your time, in my opinion. And I cannot fault the acting and directing. Eight out of ten for this effort.
Enjoy.