Peter the Great in Modern Russian Cinema

Abstract

Within the framework of this study, the author analyzes the features of the construction of the image of Peter I in the Russian historical cinema of the post-Soviet period. As a source, feature films and TV series dedicated both directly to Peter the Great himself and his era are considered. The article draws conclusions about the most popular historical heroes in cinema, directly related to the first Russian emperor, and gives characteristics of the bright film incarnations of the reformer tsar. Thus, the analysis of post-Soviet Russian historical cinema allows us to conclude that in recent decades, plots related to the personal life of the tsar (the conflict with Tsarevich Alexei and the relationship with Catherine I) have been in demand. The author also traces the connections between modern Russian and Soviet cinema and highlights common places in the interpretation of the image of Peter I. The characteristic features of the cinematic image of Peter I, set in the films of the first half of the XX century, namely, impulsiveness, determination, complete dedication, migrated to modern cinema and continue to be exploited when creating new films.