Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 10 page research paper discusses Sergei Eisenstein's two-part masterpiece "Ivan the Terrible," which was produced in the 1940s under the government of Joseph Stalin. The writer argues that Eisenstein's use of lighting and shadow indicated complex thematic meanings that differed from the principles of socialist realism. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Page Count:
10 pages (~225 words per page)
File: KL9_khivanterr.doc
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
not released until 1958 due to political censorship imposed by the Soviet government. This examination of Ivan the Terrible focuses on Eisensteins use of unconventional lighting, showing how shadow is
used to underscore Ivans conflicted nature and capriciousness, as well as how Ivans character is abstracted to represent the political unity of the Great Russian State, which Ivan values above
all else, including social relationships. The opening credits include a description of the tremendous challenges that Ivan faces in unifying Russia. This surface narrative portrays Ivan in a manner
that fits perfectly with socialist realisms ideals, as it portrays Ivan as a heroic ruler who overcomes all obstacles and challenges in order to achieve a noble cause, i.e., the
"unification and expansion of the Great Russian State" (Neuberger 33). However, his idealistic goals are soon questioned visually by showing the ominous shadow of a double-headed eagle fall across Ivans
cheek (Neuberger 33). Ivan makes it clear that he will achieve his goal regardless of how the people perceive his mission and without consideration of the cost to the populace.
The duality of this scene is underscored by the lighting and use of shadows. As Ivan glares into the camera, with the shadow of the double-headed eagle emblazoned on
his cheek, he has a look that mixes fear and trepidation with determination. With this, Eisenstein introduces the idea that the Tsar is inherently conflicted, torn between the dualism of
the worthy goal that he envisions and the unpopular, stringent policies that he feels are necessary to achieve his plans. There have been many critics who evaluated Ivan the
Terrible as Stalinist propaganda. However, careful analysis of the film shows that Eisenstein was able to incorporate the "political and aesthetic conventions of Stalinist Socialist Realism" in a manner that
...