The Soviet Union's most famous composer took a sea voyage to America near the end of his life. This remarkable documentary is structured around his days on a Russian cruise ship in 1973. Soviet historical and propaganda footage form a visual counterpoint to a world-weary narration. Ample quotations from Shostakovich's writings give a window on his life story, which also spans twentieth century musical and world history. Unusual footage from his musical works, such as the operas The Nose and Lady Macbeth, are highlights in an elliptical and experimental tour-de-force.—Nancy Kalow
This documentary film about composer Dmitry Shostakovich is set during his last round-trip journey, on a Soviet propaganda cruise to the United States. Rare archival footage, photographs, and letters provide a unique perspective on issues of the artist versus the state, myth versus reality, and truth versus survival.