UNFINISHED PIECE FOR A MECHANICAL PIANO

USSR, 1976, 97 minutes, Colour.
Aleksander Kalyagin, Elena Solovei.
Directed by Nikita Mikhalkov.

Unfinished Piece For A Mechanical Piano is one of several Russian film versions of Chekhov's stories. Another made in the late '70s with great international success was The Shooting Party. The film relies on a re-creation of atmosphere, Chekhov's picture of society with its comic touches and its grim implications. This film is based on an early play called Platonov. The director made the internationally successful film about the early Russian film industry and the revolution, A Slave Of Love.

1. Russian cinema and its qualities? Entertainment value? Presenting a picture of the Russian past - an interpretation of Chekhov and his work in the '70s? Russian audiences and response, international audiences?

2. The work of Chekhov and its international popularity? His interpretation of Russian society at the turn of the century? The universal values explored in his stories? The presentation of setting, illustration of character? Characters in their environment?

3. The contribution of colour photography, locations, decor and costumes? The score?

4. The basic plot and audience identification - the picture of provincial society, the cross-section of people involved? The large country house, early summer and its beauty? The interaction of the widow of the general, the doctor, the stepson of the widow on honeymoon, the capitalist and what he represented? The kind old landowner? Establishing these characters within their context, their human qualities, limitations? The preparation for interaction?

5. The appearance of Platonov -:the complexity of his character, the disillusionment about his lost ideals, his attitude towards compromise, his loveless marriage. cynicism. his shallow relationships? The change of mod?

6. The arrival of Sofia - the memories of love, her marriage, unhappiness? The interaction with Platonov?

7. The focus of attention of the audience on Platonov and Sofia? Regrets, yearnings for happiness, decisions? Indolence and action?

8. The reaction of the various characters to Platonov - his effect on their lives, changes, understanding?

9.The basic themes of human nature explored - perennial questions of identity, relationships. betrayal. love? The need for change? Hope? The significance of the title and its symbolism?