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Learn moreOn October 4, 2025, the Mayak Festival of Contemporary Russian Cinema premiered a new film by director Bakur Bakuradze. Unlike a traditional biopic, which usually covers a character's entire life, this film focuses on the final hours of Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov. Interestingly, the lead role is played not by a professional actor, but by a stand-up comedian. The premiere in Russian cinemas is scheduled for October 16. Film critic Timur Aliyev has already reviewed the film and shares his impressions:
- The conflict between Mikhail Lermontov and Nikolai Martynov is an important event in the poet's life and work. The main reason for the disagreement between them was a clash of personalities and differences in worldview. Lermontov, possessing an independent spirit and a desire for freedom, often expressed his thoughts openly, which did not always find understanding among those around him, including Martynov, who was more reserved and traditional.
The escalation of their confrontation reached a peak at a social event, where Lermontov, due to his temperament, could not resist making sharp remarks directed at Martynov. Insulted, the latter, in turn, challenged the poet to a duel, which was a serious step at the time. As a result of this encounter, the poet was mortally wounded.
Thus, the conflict between Lermontov and Martynov illustrates not only personal animosities, but also deeper social and cultural contradictions of the time, reflecting the tension between individualism and social norms.
- Bakur Bakuradze was educated under the guidance of outstanding teachers and masters of their craft. He studied with such renowned figures as Levan Todua and Nodar Shanidze, who significantly contributed to his professional development. These mentors helped him develop a unique style and approach to creativity. Lermontov became the epitome of the "lone hero" due to his unique personality and life circumstances. His works often touch on themes of internal struggle and isolation. The poet felt alienated from society, which underscores his desire for freedom and independence. His heroes typically possess profound thoughts and feelings, but face misunderstanding from those around them. This creates the image of a man who, despite his strengths, remains isolated in his perception of the world. Thus, Lermontov not only embodies this type himself, but also creates it in his literary characters, reflecting his own experiences and search for the meaning of life.
- Comedian Ilya Ozolin is impressive in the title role.
- Duels and "cancel culture" are interesting phenomena that, at first glance, may seem incompatible. However, there is a certain connection between them, based on the idea of social justice and conflict resolution.
Duels in the past served as a way to resolve disputes and defend honor. Participants, entering into a duel, sought to restore their reputation and demonstrate courage. This ritual emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and social norms according to which grievances required some kind of compensation.
Similarly, "cancel culture" in modern society also addresses issues of justice and responsibility, but with an emphasis on social condemnation. People, under pressure from public opinion, may be criticized and excluded from social circles for their statements or actions that are perceived as unacceptable. Thus, "cancel culture" can be seen as a unique mechanism of "punishment" in conditions where traditional methods of conflict resolution, such as duels, are no longer applicable.
In both cases, there is a desire to restore justice, only the methods and contexts differ. Duels involved physical confrontation, whereas "cancel culture" is more about moral condemnation and social boycott. However, both of them represent ways of reacting to the violation of social norms and values.
The plot of the film
July 1841, Pyatigorsk. Lieutenant Lermontov of the Life Guards Hussar Regiment (played by Ilya Ozolin) appears on the screen, sometimes silently wandering around his house, sometimes riding on horseback in an unknown direction. Just a few days ago, he came into conflict with retired Major Martynov (Yevgeny Romantsov), which ended with a challenge to a duel.
Lermontov meets with his cousin Katenka, known as Vera Engalycheva, and during this time, he reminisces about his first love, Varya Lopukhina. He discusses his life with close friends, including Alexander Benckendorff, played by Anatoly Maksimov, and Pushkin's younger brother Lev, played by Dmitry Solomykin. Meanwhile, Martynov also spends the day reflecting on the upcoming duel.
Emilia describes Lermontov as "an unattractive man," but also notes his sensitivity. Throughout the film, the friends strive to resolve the conflict between the duelists, but their efforts prove futile and fail to produce the desired result. On the evening of July 15, 1841, a fatal shot is heard at the foot of Mashuk. This is how the life of the great Russian poet will end - he will be only 26 years old.
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A biopic is a film genre that focuses on the biographies of real people, often famous personalities, and tells about significant events in their lives. These films strive to convey not only the facts, but also the emotional aspects that shaped the characters' character and achievements.
If you want to get acquainted with the best representatives of this genre, you should pay attention to such films as "Steve Jobs", which immerses you in the world of high technology and the personal struggles of one of the founders of Apple, or "The Social Network", which tells the story of the creation of Facebook and the difficulties on the road to success. Also interesting will be "Eddie Redmayne" as Stephen Hawking in "The Theory of Everything", which shows not only scientific achievements, but also the personal trials of the outstanding physicist.
Don't forget about "Harry Potter", where the story of the formation of the famous wizard, based on real events and personalities, is presented on the screen. Each of these films is unique in its own way and offers the viewer a deep immersion into the lives and inner worlds of its characters.
Author and director: who is behind the creation?
The director of this film is Bakur Bakuradze, who occupies a significant place among the representatives of the so-called "new quiet" generation. This term was used to describe a group of Russian filmmakers who actively created their works between the mid-2000s and the early 2010s. Film critics included such masters as Andrei Zvyagintsev, Kirill Serebrennikov, Alexei Popogrebsky, Nikolai Khomerika, and Boris Khlebnikov among the "new quiet" ones.
The unifying element for the directors was, of course, the conditional pessimism that permeates their perception of Russian reality. The main themes of their films were the destruction of human connections, a sense of loss, mistrust of government structures, and the recognition of one's own helplessness in trying to change anything.
The film "Lermontov" was produced by Sergei Selyanov, who serves as general producer at the STV film company. The company will celebrate its 33rd anniversary in 2025. Selyanov collaborated with Bakuradze on his previous projects, including "Shultes," "The Hunter," and "Brother Deyan." Pavel Fomintsev directed the film.
Bakuradze first noticed him a year ago at the Mayak festival, where the film "Agnia," directed by Fomintsev, was screened. The visual discoveries he implemented in "Lermontov" are one of the key advantages of this film.
The main role in the film The film was performed by aspiring actor Ilya Ozolin, who is better known as a stand-up comedian. Initially, when the first reports about the film began to appear, the choice of this particular actor caused some disbelief. However, after the premiere, many critics noted that Ozolin does indeed bear a visual resemblance to Lermontov and successfully conveyed the poet's psychological image. The film's screening is organized by the Volga and K24 companies. The latter also participated in the distribution of Bakur Bakuradze's previous work, Snow in My Yard.
What awaits viewers ahead
"Lermontov" is not a completely traditional biopic about a famous person. It is important to note that this film was created by Bakur Bakuradze, a graduate of the directing workshop under Marlen Khutsiev at VGIK. Khutsiev, known as the creator of "poetic cinema," created lyrical dramas that immerse viewers in the inner worlds of his characters. His influence on students is evident in his emphasis on character psychology and his meditative narrative tempo. Bakuradze's works also feature solitary protagonists who experience loss and strive to find their place in life. These are primarily men who remain silent, experiencing either physical pain or difficulty communicating with others. They tend to live an introverted existence, keeping a distance from both acquaintances and strangers. Bakuradze's stylistic traits are typically manifested in the use of long takes and subtle editing. His dialogue often depicts characters immersed in profound reflections on the essence of existence, the human role in this world, and the vagaries of fate. The film "Lermontov" marked the director's debut with historical material, and he adapted it in his characteristic style. Here you can also see his usual stylistic techniques - the same long takes, minimalist editing and contemplative pace of the narrative.
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The Film's Achievements and Successes
The film's main strength lies in its radical rejection of the romanticization of Lermontov's image. It seems no one has managed to do this before Bakuradze: from the familiar curriculum image of the poet, he is transformed into a multifaceted and contradictory hero with misanthropic traits. Ozolin's paradoxical portrait of the literary genius shows him as a completely unremarkable person who strives to compensate for his physical shortcomings—short stature, a hoarse voice, and a limp—with wit.
This interpretation of the great poet contradicts the youthful perception of him as the "Sun of Russian poetry." It is important to consider that he is not an antihero. Beneath his external coldness lies the vulnerability that both his lover and cousin Katenka speak of.
The visual aspect of "Lermontov" is a true delight. Fomintsev creates the opportunity for the viewer to immerse themselves in picturesque panoramas of dawn, as its rays pierce the morning mist, illuminating golden forests and vast mountain landscapes. The cameraman masterfully creates an atmosphere of wild and enchanting beauty, which, as if contrasting with the human fate predestined for the death of the poet, becomes clear to the audience from the very first frames.
The last day of Lermontov's existence, thanks to the measured rhythm of the narrative, becomes a smooth buildup to the fateful ending. Every moment, every detail, every close-up, including the creaking of floorboards and the rustle of grass under the horses' hooves, is filled with a sense of impending tragedy.
The characters act as if they feel no emotion about what is happening. For Bakuradze, death becomes an ordinary thing: no one allows themselves to show feelings even after a duel.
What difficulties lie behind a work of art?
Bakuradze chooses to abandon the usual scheme of introducing the plot. The film has no explanatory credits, and the characters' names are almost never spoken in dialogue, which leaves the historical context aside. As a result, viewers may get the feeling that the film "Lermontov" is intended only for those who already have knowledge of the poet's life and work.
Similar comments can be made about viewers experiencing Bakur Bakuradze's work for the first time. The unclear dramatic conflict and free plot structure characteristic of his other works may not appeal to some.
In some moments, the visual component proves more important than character development and plot lines. For example, long shots of natural landscapes, although captivating in their beauty, sometimes fail to justify themselves from a dramatic standpoint. It seems as if we are presented with a multitude of abstract scenes, bright and aesthetically pleasing sketches.
Despite the interesting choice of actor, the comedian Ozolin is a bit disappointing: in some moments, he clearly lacks the experience of a professional performer. When he reads Lermontov's poems, it becomes noticeable that his acting training leaves much to be desired.
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Verdict
"Lermontov" is A cinematic reflection on the essence of creative genius and its biases, captured in elegant visual form. This work can also be seen as a reflection of our times. Lermontov's pranks, which at first glance do not seem like a serious reason for a duel, are quite comparable to the cancellation phenomenon observed on social media. In any era, careless statements made publicly can seriously harm a career and public image.
Within the framework of contemporary Russian cinema, Bakuradze's work serves as a striking example of a holistic authorial statement. The film immerses the viewer in reflections on the essence of creative genius and its role in society, providing a complex interpretation of the familiar image. Moreover, the premiere of "Lermontov" in cinemas represents a unique opportunity for a wide audience to experience high-quality festival cinema, which is usually available only to a small group of viewers.