Nostalgia

Andrei Tarkovsky's Nostalgia (1983) was the first film he made outside of the Soviet Union, and the second last film he ever made. It deals with his conflicted feelings of leaving his motherland. The protagonist of the film is a Russian poet who faces nostalgia while staying in Italy with an interpreter. The film's exploration of nostalgia, longing and alienation in a foreign culture is striking and surprisingly tangible.

Tarkovsky's form doesn't fail either. His use of sepia in the dreamlike flashbacks, long take aesthetic and meticulous editing are so captivating and impeccable. His use of classical music is almost incomparable, as well.

Nostalgia is a sadly overlooked work in Tarkovsky's filmography even though it's clearly yet another great masterpiece from the auteur.

Score: 10 out of 10

The Sacrifice

Andrei Tarkovsky's The Sacrifice (1986) was the last film the legendary Russian film director ever made. Its focus is on a Swedish actor who spends time with his family after he has retired from acting. By the midpoint of the film, the film's tone becomes more menacing - towards a possible apocalypse.

Tarkovsky's trademark, meditative and philosophical content, is used yet again. Initially the film is about the actor's and his postman's ramblings on existence, but after the plot turn the film becomes an observation of people in despair. The characters enter a nearly surrealistic void that is hard to escape. And the results are rather unexpected. The film's thematics are a fine conclusion to Tarkovsky's filmography because it brings together a lot of his ideas in a gripping way.

With Sven Nykvist as the director of photography, Tarkovsky's camerawork is even more wonderful to look at. The imagery is stunning and thought-provoking (especially in the opening and the ending) and I can guarantee you that the soundtrack is astounding.

Even though The Sacrifice isn't exactly on par with Tarkovsky's best films (such as Stalker and Andrei Rublev), it is still magnificent on its own merits.

Score: 10 out of 10

Andrei Rublev

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Andrei Tarkovsky's Andrei Rublev (1966) is a film that blew my mind - and I find it nearly impossible to write a proper review of it. It is something that has to be seen. The questions it raises about art, religion, society and power are profound and intriguing. Tarkovsky's meditative and brilliant form kept me glued to the screen throughout the film. Just go and watch it.

Score: 10 out of 10

Voyage in Time

Andrei Tarkovsky's and Tonino Guerra's documentary, Voyage in Time (1983), takes a look at Tarkovsky's journey in Italy when he prepares to film his second last film, Nostalgia (1983). The documentary is shot and edited in a way that is similar to Tarkovsky's films: long takes, a calm pace and lovely imagery. Sometimes the camera wanders elsewhere while Tarkovsky and Guerra continue their discussion. The film's fragmented yet fascinating take on Tarkovsky's journey makes this documentary a worthwhile production for the director's fans. His speeches about cinema and his influences, his exploration of possible shooting locations and his interest in Guerra's poetry make this film surprisingly profound - even when it is considered that the subject is Tarkovsky.

Score: 10 out of 10