Elena (2011)

It would not be an understatement at all if some knowledgeable film critics were to state that Russians are the world's best filmmakers in contemporary times. The current crop of Russian films have not only managed to convey valuable messages about life and its significance but have also been successful in entertaining astute audiences all over the world. "Elena" is a brilliant example of an ethical film with a message. In many ways, it has already been hailed as one of Andrei Zvyagintsev's most accessible films. It is a film which is absolutely devoid of symbolism with which one would normally associate most films made by Zvyagintsev. Elena succeeds as it is an honest film about how money and the acquisition of money has influenced the way Russian society looks at life. A fine balance has been struck as this film shows two aspects of modern Russia : on the one hand, a Russia where a certain section of rich people live in beautiful houses and enjoy all the best facilities to maintain a good lifestyle. On the other hand, there is a different facet of a troubled Russia where alcoholism and bad housing conditions have made life miserable for poor denizens. How does one fit in today's affluent Russia of two extremes where not having money was a colossal problem in the past and having more money has also become a major modern problem ? This is an apt description which can be attached to Russian film "Elena". Although slow in parts, Elena gains momentum in the later part of second half which is the most crucial segment of the film in terms of action. However, the beauty of this film lies in the manner some of life's challenging questions related to economic well being of ordinary people have been asked. It is for finding answers to such questions that Elena must be watched by anybody interested in the manner in which financial health of a person influences his/her personal health.

After Zvyagintsev's first movie, "The Return", I desperately wanted to see more of his work. He made another movie that I couldn't find, and finally- "Elena". New Russia, few new rich, and not so new, many poor. The land of fake equality became a land of stunning disparity. And the same kind of ruthless, lacking conscience kind of person that thrived in communism, does ever so well in the pool of greed and self-absorption. It was always about money and power, anyway. Cruel world and cruel deeds. What would one do for those he or she loves, no matter how undeserving they are. Apparently everything, even kill. Human capacity for evil surpasses very few things, and the ability to justify evil tops everything else. Hence the world we live in. Very simple actually, but still beyond comprehension of billions.

It is indeed "slow", and perhaps a little more movement in the sound-track during the first 30 seconds would reduce anxiety for the viewer who is not prepared for the SILENCE, which the Director (in his excellent interview) rightly regards as more eloquent than words. And what eloquent silences, in contrast to the violent action and sound-tracks of popular films! How else than with silences can one feel and think? and study the expressive faces of the oppressed and anguished Elena, and the cold Vladimir?Of the three generations--grandmother, son/daughter, and grandson--which of them is not dysfunctional (in that cold, scientific term)? How strongly the viewer's pity for our (relatively) affluent contemporary citizens is generated by this painful domestic tale!

A third brilliant film by this brilliant director. For me, Andrei Zvyagintsev cannot put a foot wrong, and the only living director to rival him is Terrence Malick. This slow burning and powerful domestic drama is a devastating indictment of Russia today (and not just Russia of course). Elena is a long-suffering and basically good woman who allows herself to become corrupted by the selfishness of those around her, and pays the price right at the end. The long scenes of Elena doing housework (shades of Umberto D and Jeanne Dielman) may seem irrelevant to some, but they are in fact essential to the story. Everyone should see this film, just as they should see his previous two, The Return and The Banishment.