The Cigarette Girl of Mosselprom

The Cigarette Girl of Mosselprom is a 1924 silent romantic comedy that delves into the world of burgeoning cinema and complex affairs of the heart in Moscow, Russia. This cinematic gem is directed by Yuliya Solntseva, with performances by Yuliya herself, Igor Ilyinsky, Anna Dmokhovskaya, among others. It offers an intellectual yet comedic look at the modernization of the city from the perspective of these characters, with much of its transformation driven by the growth of cinema and media.

The plot vividly captures the charm and quaintness of a rapidly modernizing city, Moscow in the early 20th century. The main protagonist, Yuliya Solntseva, portrays the eponymous Zina, a delightful and adventurous young woman working as a cigarette girl near Mosselprom, a major trade center. Zina's vivacity and captivating charm become the focal point around which the entire narrative revolves.

Intriguingly, the film simultaneously weaves intricate love triangles around Zina's character. Igor Ilyinsky portrays Latugin, an introverted and kind filmmaker besotted by Zina’s charm and beauty. On the other hand, a classic romantic character Nikolai, played by Nikolay Tseretelli, is a wealthy advertiser, hopelessly in love with Zina and eager to win her affection at any cost.

This romantic dynamite gets sparked when Latugin, inspired by his affection for Zina, decides to cast her in his upcoming film. On the other side, the deeply smitten Nikolai, pulls out all the stops to impress Zina, trying to win her over with his materialistic charm.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to an invigorating display of the burgeoning film culture in Moscow, illuminating both the ethos and the cultural fabric of the city during this time. The role that cinema plays in transforming the city’s landscape and influencing the lives of its inhabitants is profoundly outlined. This adds layers of depth to the romantic storyline, making it an incisive commentary on the societal structure and cultural adaptation of the era.

The comedic circumstances that arise from this love triangle, and how it gets intertwined with the evolving film industry, prove to be an absolute delight for the audience. Moreover, the visual language used by director Yuliya Solntseva speaks volumes through its innovative and uplifting visual storytelling techniques. Despite being a silent film, the dramatic acting, expressive faces, and meticulous direction makes the film thoroughly engaging and enjoyable.

The character of Zina, portrayed by Yuliya Solntseva, is effervescent and vibrant, as she convincingly brings life to the simple, charming cigarette salesgirl entangled in an entertaining game of love and courtship. Igor Ilyinsky as the camera-shy and love-struck filmmaker delivers an equally convincing performance, allowing for a heartwarming dynamic between the two central characters, making the viewers root for their unusual love story.

While the film is majorly a romantic comedy, it oscillates between different genres and emotions effortlessly. From portraying beautifully choreographed comedic sequences to exploring the complexities of a love triangle – the movie enthrals with its diverse narrative styles and layered storytelling.

The set pieces, particularly that of Mosselprom and the settings of various movie shoots within the film, are nostalgic captures of Moscow in the 1920s. They effectively manage to transport the audience to a different era soaked in the very beginnings of the film revolution, with all its naivety and charm.

The Cigarette Girl of Mosselprom, with its delightful characters, unique narrative style, and pioneering visual storytelling, is indeed a significant contribution to cinema. As one journeys through this engaging and cinematic love story, they are treated to a rather vivid and colourful encapsulation of both a transforming city and an evolving cinema culture in the early 20th century Moscow.

The brilliance of the film lies in not just its entertaining characters or engaging storyline, but in its insightful glimpse into a century old era. It's an homage to the dawn of a new age and the visionary imagination of modern cinema. This fascinating silent film is unequivocally a must-watch for anyone keen to delve into the brilliant Russian cinema of the 1920s.