THE SEAGULL
Yuli Karasik (USSR, 1970)
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

One of the watchwords of nineteenth century literature was the idea of “realism,” an attempt to focus on the triumphs and tragedies of unremarkable, rather everyday people. Playwright Anton Chekhov was very dedicated to promoting an idea of realism in his theatrical work, and to better serve his plays the Moscow Art Theater under Konstantin Stanislavsky, with whom his work was closely associated, developed a new approach to acting that later became known in the United States as “method acting.”

Karasik’s lavish production of THE SEAGULL features the work of some of the Soviet Union’s finest stage actors of the time. Chekhov’s study of an actress, Arkadine, distressed by a life that seems to offer her few easy answers, is presented with great attention to capturing the historical moment that Chekhov was attempting to describe. Her lover, Tregorin (Yuri Yakovlev), a pompous yet nevertheless successful writer, feeds her insecurities while toying with the emotions or a young woman smitten with him - or at least with his reputation.

"THE SEAGULL" PLAYS AS PART OF THE
CELEBRATING CHEKHOV SERIES

2010 marks the 150th anniversary of Anton Chekhov's birth. One of the most celebrated figures in the history of literature, his works still remain of great importance. 2010 also marks the 10th anniversary of Seagull Films, a company that during the decade since its formation has serviced North American audiences with the best of Russian cinema.

Celebrating Chekhov is a surgically selected package of Chekhov's finest filmic adaptations, and provides a deep cinematic look into the master's work at its best.

ALL CELEBRATING CHEKHOV FILMS PLAY TWICE ONLY

Presented by Seagull Films in collaboration with National Gallery of Art and Concern Mosfilm. Special thanks to Karen Shakhnazarov. Learn more HERE.