Happiness

Happiness (1935) is a seminal entry to the world of Soviet cinema helmed by legendary director Aleksandr Medvedkin. This film presents an engaging portrayal of life using both satire and drama to tell a riveting story set against the backdrop of the early 20th Century Soviet Union.

The protagonist of this distinct cinematic offering is Khmyr, wonderfully brought to life by Pyotr Zinovyev. He is an everyday Russian peasant whose quest for personal and financial happiness forms the narrative linchpin of the film. Khmyr is not the archetypal hero but represents the common man fighting against the harsh realities of life in the hope of attaining something better - a pursuit of happiness and fulfillment that is truly universal.

In each of Khmyr's struggles, we see the reflection of the broader societal issues of poverty, social disparity, and existential crisis at the heart of Russia during that time. His journey takes him across paths with various characters, each of them uniquely embodying different aspects of early Soviet society. Among these, his wife Anna, portrayed by Yelena Yegorova, proves an integral part of his life and their relationship adds another complex element to the main storyline.

Nikolai Cherkasov plays the role of a wealthy landowner who is Khmyr's source of envy and competition, serving as a manifestation of the economic disparity within society. His character brings in the dimension of power dynamics by symbolizing the privileged class whose prosperity directly contrasts Khmyr's poverty.

The ensemble cast, including Mikhail Gipsi, Viktor Kulakov, Lidiya Nenasheva, V. Lavrentyev, G. Mirgorian, and V. Uspensky, add further depth to the narrative. Each character, no matter how brief their appearance, represents different facets of society, thus highlighting the complexities of life during that historical era.

"Happiness" is subtle but powerful in its depiction of themes like social inequality, the pursuit of happiness, and the human nature to adapt and survive against all odds. This film satirically critiques the societal values of that time, spotlighting how the promise of prosperity was often restricted to an elite few while leaving the rest in destitution.

The film, despite its serious subject matter, holds onto a light-hearted aesthetic largely due to its masterful use of satire. The director Medvedkin maneuvers through a dense narrative, bringing out the irony in life's mundane struggles in an easily relatable way for the viewers. The film, through Khmyr's trials and tribulations, subtly brings out the flaws in the system without getting preachy, and that is one of its biggest achievements.

"Happiness" uses exquisite cinematography to visually narrate the daunting landscapes of rural Russia. It mirrors the harshness of the socio-political conditions in its barren, austere imagery. The raw, earthy palette of the film aligns perfectly with the narrative, thus immersing the viewer into the struggle of Khmyr and the society he represents.

To summarise, "Happiness" manages to strike the balance between entertainment and thought-provoking social commentary. Pyotr Zinovyev leads a talented cast, bringing to life the tale of a simple peasant with dreams larger than his reality. It confronts prevalent themes of inequality and poverty brilliantly woven into the narrative, offering a biting critique of the socio-economic conditions of the time. Aleksandr Medvedkin's insightful depiction of society, delivered with expertly wielded satirical elements, makes "Happiness" a significant film in Soviet cinema's rich history. Whether you’re a cinephile interested in Soviet cinema or a viewer looking for a captivating story, "Happiness" is an intriguing, rewarding experience.