Vysotsky. Thank You For Being Alive is a passion-filled biographical drama that aims to capture both the exhilarating highs and soul-crushing lows of fame in Soviet Russia. Centering on Vladimir Vysotsky, a singer-songwriter of unmatched repute and a towering figure in Russian culture, the film presents the audience with a deep-drawn exploration of this complex, multifaceted legend.

Directed by Pyotr Buslov and released in 2011, Vysotsky. Thank You For Being Alive seizes upon the last few years of Vladimir Vysotsky's life. Known for his distinctive, hoarse voice, he was a gifted poet, singer, songwriter, and actor, whose work was embraced warmly by the masses, while often being viewed as controversial by the Soviet authorities. Vysotsky’s remembrance is not simply tied to his unmistakable vocals and his gripping lyrics; his personal life was wrought with impressive highs and tragic lows.

The film unapologetically treads into this uncharted territory, giving the viewers deep insights into his dealings with the KGB and surveillance, his struggles with drugs and his tumultuous love life. Weaving together the conflicting threads of Vysotsky's life, Buslov presents a layered portrayal of the man behind the legend, not shying away from portraying his flaws and hardships.

Pyotr Buslov opted for an ambitious nonlinear narrative, allowing the film to move swiftly back and forth in time. This method creates a dynamic and engaging experience for the viewers as they unravel different stages of Vysotsky’s story and witness critical moments of his personal and professional life. The screenplay, crafted by Buslov with the help of Nina Gogaeva and Nikita Vysotsky, Vysotsky’s own son, captures the moody essence of the singer's existence.

The film also pays significant attention to Vysotsky's relationship with his third wife, Marina Vlady, a French actress. Maintaining a long-distance relationship with Marina while in Russia, Vysotsky self-medicated with alcohol and drugs to fill this void, causing persistent health and behavioral problems. The film tastefully treats this aspect of the singer's life, providing an intimate look into this emotionally charged relationship and the impact it had upon Vysotsky's life and creative journey.

An integral part of the movie's allure is its lead actor, Sergey Bezrukov, who authentically portrays Vysotsky. Bezrukov played the role not by imitating the singing legend’s persona but by internalizing the essence of the man he was portraying. He approached the character with utmost respect and humility, almost becoming Vysotsky himself, singing all the songs in the movie himself. Thanks to Bezrukov's uncanny ability to immerse himself fully into the character, the portrayal of Vysotsky comes off as deeply human and relatable.

The film's narrative is deeply entrenched in its music. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Vysotsky himself narrates his life through his songs, forming an emotional spine for the story. The intense lyrics, sung in Bezrukov’s voice, plunge the audience into myriad emotions and shed light into the soul of this complex musical legend. Accompanied by a musically rich cinematic score, the film manages to paint an audiovisual experience that is as much a concert as it is a movie.

Although the film may not be entirely successful in conveying the enormous socio-political influence that Vysotsky held, it gives enough perspective to discern the broader canvas. Across the Soviet Union, Vysotsky, with his raspy voice and intensely potent songs, became a spiritual leader of sorts for the common man, voicing their joys, sorrows, and struggles with unsettling honesty.

The movie Vysotsky. Thank You For Being Alive is an emotionally immersive journey through the life of a man who was much more than a singer; he was an emblem of his era. Simultaneously heart-warming and heart-wrenching, the film leaves viewers with a deeper, more intimate understanding of a figure that looms large in the annals of Russian history.

The theatrical, gripping style of the film, paired with the outstanding performances and a captivating narrative, make Vysotsky. Thank You For Being Alive a cinematic journey worth taking. Love him or loathe him, one thing is for sure: after watching this movie, you won't be able to forget the legendary figure of Vysotsky. And perhaps, that's the best tribute any biographical film could hope to achieve.