One Time ScreeningElena and Vladimir are an older couple, they come from different backgrounds. Vladimir is a wealthy and cold man, Elena comes from a modest milieu and is a docile wife. They have met late in life and each one has children from previous marriages. Elena’s son is unemployed, unable to support his own family and he is constantly asking Elena for money. Vladimir’s daughter is a careless young woman who has a distant relationship with her father. A heart attack puts Vladimir in hospital, where he realizes that his remaining time is limited. A brief but somehow tender reunion with his daughter leads him to make an important decision: she will be the only heiress of his wealth. Back home he announces it to Elena. Her hopes to financially help her son suddenly vanish. The shy and submissive housewife then comes up with a plan to give her son and grandchildren a real chance in life. Opens in New York May 16, 2012.
Summary written by Cannes Film Festival
Director: Andrei Zvyagintsev
Writer: Oleg Negin (screenplay)
Runtime: 109 min
Distributor: Zeitgeist Films
Genre: Drama
Country: Russia
Language: Russian w/ English subtitles
Rating: N/R
FESTIVALS: Cannes Film Festival, Gindou Film Festival, Arras Film Festival, Les Arcs International Film Festival, France; Moscow Film Festival, Russia; Toronto International Film Festival, Canada; Helsinki International Film Festival, Finland; Gent International Film Festival, Belgium; São Paulo International Film Festival, Brazil; Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Greece; Muestra Internacional de Cine, Mexico; Glasgow Film Festival, UK; Sundance Film Festival, PSIFF, USA
AWARDS: Winner, Special Jury Prize, Un Certain Regard, Cannes Film Festival; Grand Prize For Best Film, Winner, Ghent Film Festival; Winner Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Durban Film Festival; Winner, Best Actress, Festival Nouveau Cinema Montreal; Winner, Best Actress, Seville Film Festival
“ … a quietly simmering and intelligent tale crafted with meticulous detail that provides a window of understanding into the state of modern day Russia. A memorable and thought provoking film that shines as one of the highlights of the year.” Bonjour Tristesse
