Stride, Soviet!

Stride, Soviet! is a silent documentary film from 1926, directed by the notable Russian filmmaker Dziga Vertov, who is renowned for his innovative approach to cinematic storytelling. The film was his first full-length documentary, marking a new era in Soviet Union’s cinema.

The film centers around the city of Moscow, showcasing it not merely as a backdrop, but as an active player in the narrative. Employing a spectacular blend of artistic cinematography and a montage style of editing, Vertov masterfully captures the essence of Moscow during an essential chapter in its history. Notably, the film does not use professional actors or a conventional storyline. Instead, it highlights the life of the average citizen, shining a spotlight on the bustling city infrastructure and the everyday people who keep it functioning.

At the heart of Stride, Soviet! is the overarching theme of progress. It presents a snapshot of the Soviet Union during the era of intense industrialization and modernization, reflecting the nationalistic pride pervading the nation at the time. The film dives into the swift pace of life in the city, emphasizing the spirit of the populace and their collective efforts to contribute to the development of the Soviet Union.

Vertov employs innovative techniques to convey this sense of progress: rapid-fire editing, unique camera angles, double exposure, stop-motion, and slow-motion sequences. He takes the audience through factories, public transportation, schools, and hospitals as well as showcases the ongoing construction works, all while capturing the mundane yet captivating scenes of everyday Moscow life that shape the city’s identity.

The film lays a particular focus on the importance of education and literacy during this period, highlighting the government’s efforts in eradicating illiteracy among the masses. Several sequences show classrooms filled with eager students of all ages, keen to learn and to contribute to their rapidly changing society.

Stride, Soviet! also provides an interesting outlook on the social system within the city. It offers a glimpse into the workings of institutions such as daycare centers, public kitchens, and communal apartments, portraying the state-sponsored social care services that were a vital part of the fabric of Soviet society at the time.

The representation of women in the film also holds significance. Stride, Soviet! visualizes female citizens actively participating in the workforce, driving trams, operating machinery, and even working in physically demanding industries like construction. This representation of Soviet women as strong, capable, and equal to men was a profoundly modern perspective for its time.

Arguably, Vertov's masterstroke lies in his innovative approach to filmmaking itself. By employing a unique style of film editing known as 'Kino-eye,’ Vertov enables the audience to perceive the reality in a way the human eye cannot. This technique, coupled with his creative use of montages, transports audiences to the heart of Moscow, providing them a comprehensive perspective of the cityscape.

Stride, Soviet! remains silent throughout, with narrative progress being dictated through visual means. It's a testament to Vertov's belief in film as a superior medium for capturing the essence of reality, free from the constraints of language and theatricality. His use of inter-titles isn't to merely drive the narrative, rather, they are cleverly tailored to be part of the aesthetic experience, sometimes merging with the visuals, unsettled, mirroring the film’s vibrant rhythm.

The artistic approach of Stride, Soviet! helps it transcend its role as a mere document of reality. It becomes a manifesto of social realism, boundary-pushing filmmaking, and of the avant-garde. Anyone interested in cinema history, the evolution of documentary film, or the culture and history of the Soviet Union will find this film to be indispensable.

All in all, 'Stride, Soviet!' is a daring, powerful, and visually arresting documentary that gives viewers a rare and valuable insight into life in the Soviet Union during one of its most transformational phases. Through Vertov’s pioneering lens, the film remains a timeless artifact of cinematic innovation and historical importance.