A day ago, I had no idea that this film existed. Going by several names, Dead Man's Letters, or Letters from a Dead Man in English. While searching for Soviet era films to watch over the years, never had I heard of this one. It was only while talking cinema with someone far the far corners of Russia in Yakutia that it came to my attention. Recommended and described as an arthouse film and one that looked as if it was shot on sepia film much like the very famous films of Tarkosvky. It pulled me in immediately, and I searched through the Internet looking for a way to watch it. Well, this was not a particularly easy film to find! Fortunately, thanks to archiving YouTube Channels that had the rights to upload it, I found a way to watch it while adding my own subtitles I found elsewhere. This was definitely one of the more difficult films to watch, given I even had to sychronise the subtitles with the audio myself! A first for me, but still relatively simple to do, and worth it in the end.
I have already mentioned Tarkosvky and his sepia film use; and this is definitely a similar film given its director had actually worked alongside him in Stalker. But what was interesting about Dead Man's Letters was its similarities to a British film I had seen a few months back, named Threads. The fact that I choose to watch these films around this, well, weirdly difficult time in Europe was certainly not intentional, rather that I had needed to watch them for a while and finally chose to do so. That said, this coincidental timing is probably for the best, giving these films a much stronger impact based on their themes of nuclear war and the horrific aftermath that its survivors may face. It seems we are returning back to the Cold War era with the fears of nuclear catastrophe and subtile threats; though it also seems that even back then, the unfortunate citizens were very much aware of the reality that this sort of escalation could take place at any moment. Films like Dead Man's Letters and Threads, films from both sides of this threat, are historical reminders of an anxiety still felt.
Dead Man's Letters
Dead Man's Letters starts with the nuclear wasteland already being a reality. Giving us the perspective of an older man, a father, who appears to be writing letters to his son. Of course, with the idea of humanity reduced to bunkers and having to write letters, the initial assumption is that his son did not survive. The father, however, remaining hopeful continues to write his thoughts out. These letters almost being denial and catharsis that helps him come to terms with the new world. The film utilises a lot narration and philosophical quotes that take place throughout, giving us a more spiritual and existential look into the end of the world, and perhaps even the end of humanity. I found myself thinking of Tarkovsky's Mirror film, in which a similar style of filmmaking is used to narrative poetry over the scenes. It felt incredibly similar, often with scenes of the decayed wasteland, full of bodies, various debris, and strong winds followed by radioactive snowfall. It is assumed the nuclear war took place a while ago, given the state of its survivors and an inability to find its footing again. The outside still very dangerous, requiring all sorts of protecting gear and clothing.
The film's story juggles between the older man and his struggles, alongside the idea of youth. To which the remaining children are of course considered precious, and the potentially final survivors as far as they know. Expected to continue on the legacy of mankind. The idea of a central bunker is thrown around, and eventually confirmed. But it is far more nightmarish and only exacerbated the fear of hopelessness. The film's use of different film stocks is by far what makes the film so atmospheric. These film stocks removal alll colour but one or two depending on the stock, meaning that shadows are dark, and the frame entirely void of life. It really contributed to the idea of a wasteland, one in which all green has been destroyed. A continuous dark nuclear cloud sitting above the the land only making things worse by blocking out the light from the sun. Sometimes, the film is sepia, other times to displays a strong, cold blue. Both of which heavily add to the film and its themes. Especially alongside the use of whatever soviet film stock this was, adding grain and grit to the film. I even noticed the reel itself has dust, scratches, and general aging on it! Unintentional, but definitely highly impactful.
To no surprise, this is a slow film, one that pulls you along to a depressing story. You'll find your energy being drained, your happiness sucked out of you and replaced with dread. All a result of the film's stylistic choices. Sprinkled in are the quotes and narrations on hope, life, and what mankind is really capable of. I have a weird love and hate for these films. Especially ones from the Soviet era, which display life often as some depressing, boring chore. I hate how these films make me feel, I hate how I sit and stare at something so void of colour and joy. But I love that these films intentionally make me feel this way; that they're so successful in almost putting me into a trance where I sit and let the runtime go on to the sounds of questions on spirituality. And even if this film uses very limited locations, it does so with unique perspectives and camera angles. Ones that make the world feel small, but also messy and riddled with chaos in this state. Moving away from the film's story a little, it's important to again acknowledge these nuclear fears from those we consider to be an enemy. Perhaps, to some degree, they are. But this fear is often felt in the innocent. The workers, the mothers, and the children. The realisation of our lack of humanity comes to mind. Threads shows these horrors from our point of view, as Dead Man's Letters does on the Russian side. And it's jarring, to witness that there is no difference. Both fear the exchange. Both would regret it. What's also incredibly fascinating about this film is the lack of censorship, coming at the time of the Soviet Union, but also just before its collapse.
I think if you're a fan of the style of Tarkovsky, you will like Dead Man's Letters. Especially if you're a fan of Stalker. In my opinion, this is actually better in regards to exploring the themes of nuclear war. A radiated zone, to which life seems obliterated beyond repair. The whole atmosphere really had me wanting more from it at the end. Especially with the more Soviet technology moments. Heavy machinery and helicopters, with their strange Soviet designs. Very cool, if you can overlook the story on mankind's destruction.
