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{{short description|1944 two-part film by Sergei Eisenstein}} {{Short description|1945 two-part film by Sergei Eisenstein}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox film {{Infobox film
| name = Ivan the Terrible | name = Ivan the Terrible
| image = Ivan_Groznyj_poster.jpg | image = Ivan_Groznyj_poster.jpg
| alt = Theatrical poster for the film Ivan the Terrible
| caption = Theatrical poster | caption = Theatrical poster
| director = ] | director = ]
| producer = Sergei Eisenstein | producer = Sergei Eisenstein
| writer = Sergei Eisenstein | writer = Sergei Eisenstein
| starring = {{Plainlist| | starring = {{Plain list|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
}}
* et al.}}
| music = ] | music = ]
| cinematography = ]<br />] | cinematography = ]<br />]
| editing = {{Plain list|
|editing = Sergei Eisenstein <br/> {{small|(Part I)}}<br/>]<br/>{{small|(Part II)}}
* Sergei Eisenstein
* {{Interlanguage link|Esfir Tobak|ru|Тобак, Эсфирь Вениаминовна}} (assistant){{sfn|Tobak|1998|p=133}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=xi}}
* {{Interlanguage link|Lev Indenbom|ru|Инденбом, Лев Аронович}} (assistant){{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=xi}}
}}
| distributor = | distributor =
| released = {{film date|1945|01|20|Part 1|1958|||Part 2|df=yes}} | released = {{Film date|1945|01||Part 1|1958|09|01|Part 2|df=yes}}
| runtime = 187 minutes<br />'''Part 1:''' 99 minutes<br />'''Part 2:''' 88 minutes | runtime = {{Plain list|
* 177 minutes
* '''Part 1:''' 95 minutes
* '''Part 2:''' 82 minutes
}}
| country = Soviet Union | country = Soviet Union
| language = Russian | language = Russian
}} }}
'''''Ivan the Terrible''''' ({{lang-ru|Иван Грозный|Ivan Grozny}}) is a two-part Soviet ] ] written and directed by ].<ref>{{cite book|title=Historical Dictionary of Russian and Soviet Cinema|author=Peter Rollberg|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|year=2009|place=US|isbn=978-0-8108-6072-8|pages=302–303}}</ref> A ] of ], it was Eisenstein's final film, commissioned by Soviet leader ].


'''''Ivan the Terrible''''' ({{langx|ru|Иван Грозный|translit=Ivan Grozny}}) is a two-part Soviet ] ] written and directed by ], with music composed by ]. A ] starring ] as ], the film follows Ivan IV from his childhood to his older years as tsar, and details his formation of the '']'' and conflict with the ], particularly with his aunt (]) and cousin (]). ] plays a supporting role as Ivan's wife ], with members of the ''oprichnina'' being played by ], ], and ]. ''Ivan the Terrible'' was Eisenstein's final film.
Part I was released in 1945, and received a ]. Part II, although it finished production in 1946, was not released until 1958, as it was banned on the order of Stalin, who intensely disliked the depiction of Ivan therein. Eisenstein had developed the scenario to require a third part to finish the story, but with the banning of Part II, filming of Part III was stopped. Eisenstein died in 1948, putting production of the film to an end.

Soviet leader ] commissioned the film in early 1941; production was delayed by the beginning of ], and ultimately did not start until April 1943. The majority of the film was shot in ]; several scenes were shot in ]. Part I was released in 1945, and received a ]. Part II, although it finished production in 1946, was banned and not released until 1958. Eisenstein had planned three parts for the film, but with the banning of Part II, filming of Part III was stopped. Eisenstein died in 1948, leaving the film incomplete.

The film has a mixed legacy, being both harshly criticized and highly praised. Since its release, it has been named in several lists of the best films of all time, and has often been called one of Eisenstein's most complex films. The film has been analyzed by scholars in regards to Eisenstein's treatment of Stalinism within the film.


==Plot== ==Plot==
] ]

In the prologue, Ivan's mother, ], and her lover are murdered by the boyars. Later Ivan is enthroned as the ].<ref>Eisenstein; screenplay (1963), pp. 23-41</ref> The prologue was removed by Soviet censors; however, the scenes of Ivan's childhood from the prologue were inserted into part 2 as flashbacks.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=311}}


===Part I=== ===Part I===
In 1547, the 17-year-old ], Ivan IV, is crowned as the ], amid animosity from the boyars and jealousy from his aunt ]. Yefrosinya wishes to see her son, ], on the throne instead. Ivan makes a speech proclaiming his intent to unite and protect Russia against the foreign armies outside her borders and the enemies within – a reference to the boyars, who are already unhappy with his coronation. A ]n ambassador asks Prince ] why Ivan is more worthy to rule than Kurbsky is.


Shortly after, Ivan marries ]. Kurbsky, who is in love with her, attempts to resume his romance with her, but she rejects his advances. At the wedding, Fyodor Kolychov, a close friend of Ivan, informs him that he cannot support him in his mission against the boyars and receives his permission to retire to monastic life. The marriage feast is interrupted by an unruly mob of common people, led by ] and the ] Nikola. The two complain that the tsar is being led astray by the tsarina's family. Ivan calms the crowd, but is interrupted by envoys from the ], who announce that Kazan has declared war against Muscovy. Malyuta swears loyalty to the tsar and accompanies him to Kazan.
In 1547, 17-year-old Ivan IV is coronated as the ], amid animosity from the ] and silent jealousy from his cousin, the child-like ] and Vladimir's mother and Ivan's aunt, ]. Ivan makes a speech proclaiming his intent to unite and protect Russia against the foreign armies outside her borders and the enemies within – a reference to the boyars, who are already discontented with his coronation. A Livonian ambassador asks Prince ] why Ivan is more worthy to rule than Kurbsky is, sowing the seeds of doubt into his heart. Shortly after, Ivan marries ]. Fyodor Kolychov, a close friend of Ivan, informs Ivan that he cannot support Ivan in his mission against the boyars and receives Ivan's permission to retire to monastic life. Kurbsky, who is in love with Anastasia, attempts to resume his romance with her, but she rejects his advances.


In the ], Ivan's army digs ] underneath the city and fills them with gunpowder. Kurbsky, nominally in command, is reprimanded by Ivan for senseless brutality against their Tatar prisoners, causing his resentment against Ivan to grow. The city of Kazan falls to the Russian army. Here, Ivan meets Alexei Basmanov, a commoner who despises the boyars.
The marriage feast is interrupted by news of the burning of several boyar palaces, carried into the tsar's palace by a mob of common people, led by ] and the holy fool Nikola. The two complain that the tsar is being led astray by the tsarina's family. Ivan calms the crowd, but is interrupted by envoys from the ], who announce that Kazan has declared war against Muscovy and send him a ceremonial knife with the suggestion that he do himself a favor by using it to commit suicide. Ivan immediately declares war against Kazan.


During his return from Kazan, Ivan falls deathly ill. Yefrosinya reminds Kurbsky of how Ivan betrayed him by marrying the woman he loves. She urges him to swear allegiance to Vladimir, promising him rule over Moscow, as Vladimir is intellectually disabled and not fit to rule on his own. Ivan sends for the boyars and orders them to swear allegiance to his son, the infant ], reminding them of the need for a single ruler to keep Russia united. The boyars, encouraged by Yefrosinya, refuse to do so. Ivan collapses and is thought dead. The boyars all begin to swear allegiance to Vladimir. However, when the tsarina hints that Ivan is not yet dead, Kurbsky hurriedly swears his allegiance to Dmitri. Ivan unexpectedly grows well, and as a reward for his loyalty, Kurbsky is sent to the western border of the kingdom to defend against the Livonians and ]. Alexei Basmanov is sent to the south to take care of the ]n border. The fact that Ivan promotes a commoner over them creates more discontent amongst the boyars.
The next scene shows the 1552 ], in which Ivan's army digs saps underneath the city and fills them with gunpowder. Kurbsky, nominally in command, is reprimanded by Ivan for senseless brutality against their Tatar prisoners, causing his resentment against Ivan to grow. The city of Kazan falls to the Russian army. Here, Ivan meets Alexei Basmanov, a commoner who despises the boyars, for the first time. His son, ], is awestruck by the tsar.


The boyars and the Archbishop Pimen plot against Ivan. Yefrosinya, in order to weaken Ivan and leave him without allies, plans to kill Anastasia. Just as the royal couple receives word that Kurbsky has surrendered to the Livonians, she slips a goblet of poisoned wine into the room. The news shocks the tsarina, who is already ill. Ivan, looking around for a drink to calm her, takes the wine and gives it to her, unknowingly killing her.
During his return from Kazan, Ivan falls seriously ill. The ] are administered to him. Staritskaya reminds Kurbsky of how Ivan betrayed him by marrying the woman he loves. She tells Kurbsky to swear allegiance to Vladimir, promising him rule over Moscow, as Vladimir is not fit to rule on his own. Ivan sends for the boyars and orders them to swear allegiance to his son, the infant Dmitri, reminding them of the need for a single ruler to keep Russia united. They demur, with Yefrosinya Staritskaya openly urging the others to swear allegiance to her son, Vladimir, instead. Emotionally overwrought, Ivan collapses and is thought dead. The boyars, celebrating, all begin to swear allegiance to Vladimir, the "boyar tsar" they have hoped for. However, when the tsarina hints that Ivan is not yet dead, Kurbsky hurriedly swears his allegiance to Dmitri. Ivan unexpectedly grows well, much to the disappointment of the boyars. As a reward for his loyalty, Kurbsky is sent to the western border of the kingdom to defend against the ]ns and Poles. Alexei Basmanov is sent to the south to take care of the Crimean border. The fact that Ivan promotes a commoner over them creates more discontent amongst the boyars.


Ivan questions his own justifications and ability to rule, wondering if his wife's death and Kurbsky's final defection to ] is God's punishment against him. He sends for his old friend, Kolychov. Alexei Basmanov suggests that Ivan instead surround himself with men he can really trust, the '']i''. He offers his son, ], in service to Ivan.
The boyars plot against Ivan. Pimen, who has been removed from the position of Metropolitan and is now Archbishop, joins them in their scheming. Staritskaya plans to kill Anastasia. Just as the royal couple receive word that Kurbsky has surrendered to the Livonians, she slips a goblet of poisoned wine into the room and listens from behind a wall. The news shocks the tsarina, who is already ill. Ivan, looking around for a drink to calm her, takes the wine and gives it to her, causing her death.


Ivan questions his own justifications and ability to rule, wondering if his wife's death and Kurbsky's final defection to ] is God's punishment on him. He sends for his old friend, Kolychov, the monk. Malyuta warns him not to trust Kolychov, and Alexei Basmanov suggest that Ivan instead surround himself with men he can really trust – common people, "iron men", the '']i''. He offers his own son, Fyodor, in service to Ivan. Ivan accepts, and sets about recouping his losses. He abdicates and leaves Moscow for ] in 1564, waiting until the people beg him to return, saying that he would then rule with absolute power by the will of the people. Ivan abdicates and leaves Moscow for ] in 1564, waiting until the people beg him to return, saying that he would then rule with absolute power by the will of the people.


===Part II=== ===Part II: ''The Boyars' Plot''===
In 1565, Kurbsky swears allegiance to King Sigismund of Poland. Sigismund promises to make Kurbsky ruler of Ivan's territories, once he exploits the tsar's absence by conquering them. The plan is foiled when an emissary announces that Ivan has returned to Moscow. In 1565, Kurbsky swears allegiance to King Sigismund of Poland. Sigismund promises to make Kurbsky ruler of Ivan's territories once he exploits the tsar's absence by conquering them. The plan is foiled when an emissary announces that Ivan has returned to Moscow. In Moscow, Ivan declares the establishment of the '']'' and ''oprichnina''.


His friend, Kolychov, arrives, now the monk ]; after a heated debate, Philip agrees to become ] of Moscow, as long as Ivan gives him the right to intercede for condemned men. This is mutually agreed upon, but as soon as it is settled, Ivan finds a way around this: he has Malyuta execute the condemned men quickly, before Philip can use his right. In this way he has three of Philip's kinsmen executed. Kolychov, now known as ], arrives. Ivan, lacking allies, asks him to become ]. He agrees, on the condition of being given the right to intercede for condemned men. As soon as it is settled, Malyuta, on Ivan's orders, kills several boyars (three of which are Philip's kinsmen) before he can intercede for them, gaining Philip's enmity.


A flashback shows Ivan as a child, witnessing his mother's death by poisoning, then as a young teenager standing up to the condescension of the boyars, who want to rule. After the eldest boyar insults his mother and attempts to strike Ivan, he has him arrested, and declares that he will rule alone, as Tsar. Reminiscing on his childhood, Ivan recalls witnessing his mother's death by poisoning. He remembers as a teenager, standing up to the boyars Shuiskiy and Belskiy, both of which want him to sign a trade contract with the ] and the ], respectively. After Shuiskiy insults Ivan's mother and attempts to strike him, Ivan has him executed, and declares that he will rule alone, as tsar.


Fyodor Basmanov suggests to the tsar that his wife was poisoned. Suspecting Yefrosinya of the murder, he orders Fyodor to keep silent about this suspicion until they are certain of her guilt. Meanwhile, Philip vows to block Ivan's abuse of power and confronts him in the cathedral while a ] about ] is presented. As they argue, a boyar child confuses Ivan for ]. The child calls out, asking whether this is the "terrible heathen king". Ivan immediately grows certain that Yefrosinya killed his wife. He proclaims that he will be exactly what his enemies call him – terrible.
Fyodor Basmanov, the first of the ''oprichniki'', suggests to the tsar that his wife was poisoned, and both suspect Staritskaya of poisoning the cup of wine. Ivan orders Fyodor to keep his silence until they are certain beyond doubt of her guilt.


Some time after, Yefrosinya announces to the boyars that Ivan has arrested Philip, and will likely execute him. Having lost one of their most powerful allies, the boyars, along with the archbishop Pimen, decide that their only option is to assassinate Ivan. The ] Pyotr is selected to carry out the assassination. Malyuta then arrives to invite Vladimir to a banquet with Ivan and the ''oprichniki''.
Philip, angered by Ivan's execution of his kinsmen, allies himself with the boyars. He vows to block Ivan's abuse of power, and confronts him in the cathedral while a ] about ] is presented. As the argument heats up, a small child, carried on the boyars’ shoulders next to Staritskaya, confuses Ivan for ]. The child calls out, asking whether this is the "terrible heathen king". Ivan, angry, proclaims that he will be exactly what his enemies call him – terrible.


At the banquet, Ivan gets Vladimir drunk. Vladimir mentions that there is a plot to kill and replace Ivan with him as tsar. Fyodor and Malyuta notice Pyotr leaving for the cathedral and signal to Ivan who, feigning surprise at Vladimir's revelation, suggests Vladimir try being tsar. He has the ''oprichniki'' bring the throne, ], scepter, crown, and royal robes, and they all bow down to Vladimir. Vladimir then leads the ''oprichniki'' and Ivan to the cathedral in prayer. Pyotr mistakes him for the tsar and fatally stabs him.
Staritskaya announces to the boyars that Ivan has arrested Philip, and will likely execute him. Having lost one of their most powerful allies, the boyars, along with the archbishop Pimen, now decide that their only option is to assassinate Ivan. The ] Pyotr is selected to carry out the assassination. Malyuta invites Vladimir to a banquet with the tsar and the ''oprichniki''. Ivan sends his aunt an empty wine goblet, hinting to her that he is aware of her role in Anastasia's death.


Yefrosinya arrives, celebrating the death of Ivan. After she sees him alive, she realizes that her son has been killed and goes insane. Ivan pardons the assassin, thanking him for killing not only "a fool", but "the tsar's worst enemy". Ivan proclaims to his ''oprichniki'' that all his enemies within Moscow are vanquished, therefore, he can now turn his attention to those outside.
At the banquet, Ivan gets Vladimir drunk while the ''oprichniki'' sing and dance around them. Vladimir mentions that there is a plot to kill Ivan, and that he is to replace Ivan as tsar. Fyodor Basmanov notices the assassin leaving and signals to Ivan who, feigning surprise at Vladimir's revelation, suggests Vladimir try being tsar. He has the ''oprichniki'' bring the throne, ], sceptre, crown and royal robes, and they all bow down to Vladimir. Then he tells Vladimir to lead them to the cathedral in prayer, as a tsar should lead. Hesitantly, Vladimir does.

In the cathedral, the assassin runs up, stabs the mock tsar and is immediately seized by Fyodor and Malyuta. Staritskaya arrives, jubilant at the apparent death of Ivan, until she sees him alive; she realizes that Vladimir has been killed. Ivan orders the two to release the assassin, and thanks him for killing not only "a fool", but "the tsar's worst enemy". He leaves Staritskaya, who has gone insane over her son's death, in the cathedral.

Ivan proclaims to his ''oprichniki'' that all his enemies within Moscow are vanquished, therefore, he can now turn his attention to those outside.


==Cast== ==Cast==
*] as ] * ] as ]
*] as ], Ivan's wife ** Erik Pyryev as young Ivan
* ] as ], Ivan's wife
*] as ], Ivan's aunt * ] as ], Ivan's aunt
*] as ], Staritskaya's son and Ivan's cousin * ] as ], Yefrosinya's son and Ivan's cousin
*] as ] * ] as ], Ivan's right-hand man and an ''oprichnik''
*] as ], head of Ivan's ] * ] as {{ill|Alexei Basmanov|ru|Басманов, Алексей Данилович}}, an ''oprichnik''
*] as ], Alexei Basmanov's son * ] as ], Alexei Basmanov's son
*] as Prince ] * ] as Prince ]
*] as ] * ] as ]
*Aleksandr Mgebrov as Pimen, Metropolitan of Moscow, later Archbishop of Novgorod * {{ill|Aleksandr Mgebrov|ru|Мгебров, Александр Авельевич}} as {{ill|Pimen of Novgorod|lt=Pimen|ru|Пимен (архиепископ Новгородский)}}, Metropolitan of Moscow, later Archbishop of Novgorod
*] as the archdeacon * ] as the ]
*] as Nikola, a holy fool * ] as Nikola, a holy fool
*Pavel Massalsky as ] * {{ill|Pavel Massalsky|ru|Массальский, Павел Владимирович}} as ]
*Vladimir Balashov as Pyotr, the assassin * {{ill|Vladimir Balashov|ru|Балашов, Владимир Павлович}} as Pyotr Volynets, the assassin
* ] as ], Ivan's mother
*] as ]
*Erik Pyryev as young Ivan


==Production== ==Production==
===Pre-production=== ===Development===
In May 1940, Eisenstein sent ] a letter about two films that he planned to write a scenario for, together with ]. The first option was about ], and the other was about the ]. Additionally, Eisenstein had in mind a film about ]. Bolshakov did not respond to this letter, so in December of the same year, Eisenstein and Sheinin wrote Stalin a letter expanding on their ideas for the Beilis film. In January 1941, Eisenstein met with ], who rejected all of Eisenstein's previous ideas. Zhdanov instead commissioned on Stalin's behalf a film about Ivan the Terrible.{{sfn|Ryabchikova|2021}} Stalin admired Ivan the Terrible, as he viewed Ivan as the same kind of brilliant, decisive, successful leader that he considered himself to be.<ref>Perrie, Maureen. ''The Cult of Ivan the Terrible in Stalin's Russia (Studies in Russian and Eastern European History and Society)''. New York: Palgrave, 2001 (hardcopy, {{ISBN|0-333-65684-9}}).</ref> In May 1940, Eisenstein sent ] a letter about two films that he planned to write a scenario for, together with ]. The first option was about ], and the other was about the ]. Additionally, Eisenstein had in mind a film about ]. Bolshakov did not respond to this letter, so in December of the same year, Eisenstein and Sheinin wrote Stalin a letter expanding on their ideas for the Beilis film. The Beilis film was rejected in January 1941.{{sfn|Ryabchikova|2021}}{{sfn|Kushnirov|2016|p=342}} In the same month, Eisenstein met with ], who instead commissioned on Stalin's behalf a film about Ivan the Terrible.{{sfn|Ryabchikova|2021}}{{sfn|Kushnirov|2016|p=347}}{{sfn|Perrie|2001|p=149}} Stalin admired Ivan IV, considering him to be a "great and wise" ruler.{{sfn|Perrie|2001|p=1{{ndash}}2}} He was interested in rehabilitating Ivan's image to a more positive image, particularly to one of a powerful state builder, and promoted the image of Ivan IV as the founder of the modern Russian state.{{sfn|Rieber|2024|p=170}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=74}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=296}}


Eisenstein began research on the film in early 1941. Among his sources were ]'s and ]'s writings about their lives in Ivan's court and his reign, and Ivan's correspondence with Kurbsky. Additionally, Eisenstein read the biography of Ivan by ] and the writings of historians ], ], ], and ].{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=301}} Eisenstein filled over a hundred notebooks with his ideas for the film.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|pp=295,297}} He read extensively, not just about Ivan the Terrible and 16th-century Russia but in general about theory; the writings of ], ], ], and ] also influenced the creation of the film.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|pp=315-318, 328-329}} Eisenstein began research on the film in early 1941. Among his sources were ]'s and ]'s writings about their lives in Ivan's court and his reign, and Ivan's correspondence with Kurbsky. Additionally, Eisenstein read the biography of Ivan by ] and the writings of historians ], ], ], and ].{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=301}} Eisenstein filled over a hundred notebooks with his ideas for the film.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=297}}


] made by Eisenstein for the film. Elizabeth was intended to have been portrayed by ].|alt=Sketch of Queen Elizabeth I made by Eisenstein |upright=0.75]]
Eisenstein completed the first draft of the screenplay in May 1941.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=316}} After the ] in June 1941, Eisenstein was evacuated to ] in October; he completed the screenplay in December.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=318}} Production on the film was delayed to April 1943.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=303}} The scenario of ''Ivan the Terrible'' had been accepted by Mosfilm in the form of two full-length films. Eisenstein considered splitting the screenplay into three parts and discussed this with ], who was against this; ultimately, he ignored Alexandrov's advice and changed the film from two parts to three.{{sfn|Seton|1960|p=429}} He received permission to create a third part in 1944.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=62}}


By the end of February, Eisenstein had a rough draft of the screenplay; he submitted the first draft of the screenplay to Mosfilm in May 1941.{{sfn|Perrie|2001|p=149}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=316}} After the ] in June 1941, he planned to modify the screenplay to emphasize the antagonistic nature of the Germanic forces of the ], the ], and the ]; Eisenstein also planned to show more of Ivan's positive relations with the English.{{sfn|Perrie|2001|pp=151{{ndash}}152}} Also due to the invasion, Mosfilm evacuated most of their actors and professionals to ]. Eisenstein was evacuated to Alma-Ata in October; he completed the screenplay in December.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=318}} The screenplay was approved in September 1942, but due to bureaucratic pressure, Eisenstein removed most of the scenes with the English.{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=14}}{{sfn|Perrie|2001|p=152}} The scenario of ''Ivan the Terrible'' had been accepted by Mosfilm in the form of two full-length films. Eisenstein considered splitting the screenplay into three parts and discussed this with ], who was against this; ultimately, he ignored Alexandrov's advice and changed the film from two parts to three.{{sfn|Seton|1960|p=429}} He received permission to create a third part in 1944.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=62}}
===Production of the film===
Eisenstein had worked almost exclusively with Eduard Tisse for most of his features, and invited Tisse to work on the film. In 1942, Eisenstein became friends with Andrei Moskvin, and developed a closer relationship with Moskvin than he had with Tisse. However, he did not want to fire Tisse, as he was concerned that Tisse could be arrested for his "Germanic" name. Cinematography was divided between the two - Tisse shot the exteriors, and Moskvin, who became director of photography, filmed all interior scenes. The color sequences of Part Two were also filmed by Moskvin.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=56-57}}<ref name="leyda">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/kinohistoryofrus00jayl#page/382/mode/2up/|publisher=]|author=Jay Leyda|title=Kino: A History of the Russian and Soviet Film|year=1960|pages=382–384|author-link=Jay Leyda}}</ref>


The ] was composed by ], with whom Eisenstein had collaborated on ''Alexander Nevsky''.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=55-56}} Eisenstein remarked that Prokofiev was able to grasp the emotional mood, rhythm and structure of a scene immediately and have the score ready the next day.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/notesoffilmdirec00eise#page/152/mode/2up|page=152|title=Notes of a film director|publisher=Foreign Languages Pub. House|author=Sergei Eisenstein|year=1959}}</ref> Prokofiev incorporated music from an unrealized production of an adaptation of ] into the score.{{sfn|Palmer|1991|p=180}} He did not finish writing the score of ''Part I'' until August 1944.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=55-56,65}} In January of 1945, he suffered a concussion, and was too ill to work; in spite of Prokofiev's request that Eisenstein instead work with ], Eisenstein insisted on working with Prokofiev. Prokofiev recovered by October of that year and was able to complete the score for Part II.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=68}} ] was hired as choreographer for the film.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=68}} The ] was composed by ], with whom Eisenstein had collaborated on '']''.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=55{{ndash}}56}} Eisenstein wrote to Prokofiev in March 1942, asking him to compose the score for Ivan the Terrible; Prokofiev arrived in May.{{sfn|Bergan|1999|p=324}} Prokofiev incorporated music from an unrealized production of an adaptation of ] into the score.{{sfn|Palmer|1991|p=180}} He did not finish writing the score of Part I until August 1944.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=55{{ndash}}56, 65}} In January of 1945, he suffered a concussion, and was too ill to work. In spite of Prokofiev's request that Eisenstein instead work with ], Eisenstein insisted on working with him. He recovered by October of that year and was able to complete the score for Part II.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=68}}

One of the difficulties was making Cherkasov look convincingly both older and younger than he was. In the beginning of Part I, the 39-year-old Cherkasov had to portray a 17-year-old Ivan; additionally, Ivan had to age throughout the film, culminating in the portrayal of a 53-year-old Ivan by the end of Part II. 14 wigs were made for this purpose.{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|374}} For the portrayal of 17-year-old Ivan, makeup artist Vasily Goriunov used adhesive to glue back the flesh on Cherkasov's face. This also had the effect of limiting Cherkasov's ability to move his face. The actor disliked this solution, saying that the makeup made him look not like a 17-year-old, but like a fetus.{{sfn|Oeler|2018|p=50}}{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|pp=327-328}}

The entire production was shot in ] at Mosfilm's substantial production facility in ].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/sergeimeisenstei00seto#page/411/mode/2up|publisher=]|author=Marie Seton|title=Sergei M. Eisenstein: a biography|year=1960|pages=411–412|author-link=Marie Seton}}</ref> Filming was done at night, since electricity was limited during the day.{{sfn|Oeler|2018|p=50}} Although most of the film was shot in black and white, there are color sequences in the second part, making ''Ivan the Terrible'' one of the earliest color films made in the Soviet Union.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}} In July 1944, production of the film was transferred to Moscow.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=65}}


===Casting=== ===Casting===
Casting for the film began in spring of 1942. Eisenstein invited Cherkasov, who had previously performed the title role in Eisenstein's '']'', to play Ivan IV. Zharov, who had wanted to perform the role of Kurbsky, was instead offered the role of Malyuta. Erik Pyryev, son of director ], performed the role of the young Ivan.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=53-54}} Casting for the film began in spring of 1942. Eisenstein invited Nikolay Cherkasov, who had previously performed the title role in Eisenstein's '']'', to play Ivan IV. Mikhail Zharov, who had wanted to perform the role of Kurbsky, was instead offered the role of Malyuta. Erik Pyryev, son of director ], performed the role of the young Ivan.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=53{{ndash}}54}} Ada Voytsik, Erik's mother, played the role of Ivan's mother, Elena Glinskaya.{{sfn|Kushnirov|2016|p=387}}

Eisenstein wanted ] to play Pimen, but Pudovkin was filming '']''{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|p=375}} and was unavailable at the time; then he suffered a heart attack and could not accept the role. He ultimately played the holy fool Nikola. Aleksandr Mgrebov was then considered for the role of Pimen. Unknown to Eisenstein, he was seriously ill with tuberculosis. When Eisenstein learned about Mgrebov's illness, he organized medical treatment for the actor, who later stated that Eisenstein's intervention saved his life.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=54}}{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|pp=329{{ndash}}330}}


According to Mikhail Kuznetsov, Eisenstein noticed him after his performance in '']'', and already began to consider him for the role of Fyodor Basmanov. After Kuznetsov, along with most actors working with Mosfilm, evacuated to Alma-Ata, Eisenstein offered him the role.{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|pp=335{{ndash}}336}} Pavel Kadochnikov stated that Eisenstein had wanted ] to play the role of Vladimir Staritsky, but Okhlopkov was too old for the role. Therefore, Kadochnikov was invited to play Vladimir. He also played the role of a clown in the miracle play in Part II, and was meant to have played the role of Evstafy, a kinsman of Philip II, in Part III. He was also considered for the role of the Polish King Sigismund, although that role went to Pavel Massalsky.{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|pp=342{{ndash}}343}}{{sfn|Bergan|1999|p=328}}{{sfn|Leyda|1982|p=134}}
Eisenstein wanted ] to play Pimen, but Pudovkin had recently suffered a heart attack and could not accept the role; he ultimately played the holy fool Nikola. Instead, the role went to Aleksandr Mgrebov, who, unknown to Eisenstein, was seriously ill with tuberculosis. When Eisenstein learned about Mgrebov's illness, he organized the treatment of Mgrebov, who grew well enough to play Pimen. Mgrebov later stated that Eisenstein's intervention saved his life.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=54}}{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|pp=329-330}}
]
According to Kuznetsov, Eisenstein noticed him after his performance in '']'', and already began to consider him for the role of Fyodor Basmanov. After he evacuated to Alma-Ata, Eisenstein offered him the role.{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|pp=335-336}} Kadochnikov stated that Eisenstein had wanted ] to play the role of Vladimir Staritsky, however, Okhlopkov by this time was too old for the role. Therefore, Kadochnikov was invited to play Vladimir. He was also meant to play Evstafy, the younger brother of Philip II, in the unrealized third part.{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|pp=342-343}}


The actresses for Anastasia and Staritskaya were found 6 months after filming began. The role of the tsarina first was offered to ballerina ], but Ulanova chose to prioritize her dancing career instead and rejected the role. Ultimately, Tselikovskaya, who was Zharov's wife, was cast as the tsarina. Eisenstein wanted to cast ] as Staritskaya, but ], who had final say on casting choice, insisted that Ranevskaya, as a Jewish actress, was an unsuitable choice to play the boyarina. Birman was then invited to play the role of Staritskaya; after a successful make-up test, Birman accepted the role. {{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=54-56}}{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|pp=354-356}} The actresses for Anastasia and Yefrosinya were found 6 months after filming began. The role of the tsarina first was offered to ballerina ], however, filming conflicted with her dancing career, leading her to reject the role. Ultimately, Lyudmila Tselikovskaya, who was Zharov's wife, was cast as the tsarina. Eisenstein wanted to cast ] as Yefrosinya, but ], who had final say on casting choice, insisted that Ranevskaya, as a Jewish actress, was an unsuitable choice to play the boyarina. The role then went to Serafima Birman.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=54{{ndash}}56}}{{sfn|Kushnirov|2016|pp=350, 352}}


===Screenings and release=== ===Filming===
Production on the film was delayed until April 1943 due to the ongoing invasion of the USSR.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=303}} Eisenstein had worked almost exclusively with ] for most of his features, and invited Tisse to work on the film. In 1942, Eisenstein became friends with ], and developed a closer relationship with Moskvin than he had with Tisse. However, he did not want to fire Tisse, as he was concerned that Tisse, without the protection of Eisenstein, could be arrested for his "Germanic" name. Cinematography was therefore divided between the two: Tisse shot the exteriors, and Moskvin, who became director of photography, filmed all interior scenes. The color sequences of Part II were also filmed by Moskvin.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=56{{ndash}}57}}
''Ivan The Terrible, Part I'' was screened by the Mosfilm Artistic Council in October 1944. The members of the council were disappointed with the film. The members criticized the characterization of Ivan IV, Malyuta Skuratov, and the oprichnina. As a result, they demanded the removal of the prologue, more emphasis on Ivan's accompishments as Tsar, and modification of the presentation of the ''oprichniki'', to make them less sinister. The artistic merits of the film were also criticized.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=306-309}} ''Part I'' was screened for Stalin in December of that year, and premiered in Moscow on 20 January 1945.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=66}} The same year, it was nominated for the ]. In spite of the objections of the members of the Stalin Prize committee, the film ultimately received the prize.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=313-319}} For their work on ''Part I'', Eisenstein, Cherkasov, Prokofiev, Moskvin, and Tisse were each awarded a Stalin Prize in 1946.{{sfn|Platt et al.|1999|p=640}}


One of the difficulties of filming was making Cherkasov look convincingly both older and younger than he was. Ivan had to age throughout the film, so the 39-year-old Cherkasov had to portray a 17-year-old Ivan at the beginning of Part I and gradually age to a 53-year-old Ivan. For the portrayal of 17-year-old Ivan, makeup artist Vasily Goriunov used adhesive to glue back the flesh on Cherkasov's face. This also had the effect of limiting his ability to move his face.{{sfn|Oeler|2018|p=50}}{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|pp=327{{ndash}}328}} Cherkasov's style of acting was realistic, but highly stylized and intense. He was reported to have been in a state of nervous exhaustion when the filming of the second part of ''Ivan the Terrible'' was completed.{{sfn|Seton|1960|p=428}}
The second film, ''Ivan The Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot'', finished filming at ] in 1946. The unshown film received heavy criticism from the Central Committee of the Communist Party, calling the picture "anti-historical".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/sergeimeisenstei00seto#page/449/mode/2up|publisher=]|author=Marie Seton|title=Sergei M. Eisenstein: a biography |year=1960|pages=449–450|author-link=Marie Seton}}</ref> Ivan Pyryev compared the depiction of Ivan and the ''oprichnina'' to fascists and stated that the portrayal of Ivan was completely unsympathetic.{{sfn|Gillespie|2008|pp=23-24}} In spite of this, Eisenstein insisted on screening ''Part II'' for Stalin, who called it a "nightmare".{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=321, 327}} Stalin criticized Eisenstein's Ivan as being "a weak-willed ]", and the ''oprichnina'' as being too similar to the ].{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=328}} After meeting with Stalin in 1947, Eisenstein refused to further revise ''Part II'' or to begin work on ''Part III''. A year later, Eisenstein died.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=334}} ''Part II'' was released in 1958.


Most of the production was shot in ] at Mosfilm's substantial production facility in ];{{sfn|Seton|1960|pp=411{{ndash}}412}} several scenes were shot in the town of ], 30 kilometers from Alma-Ata.{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|p=380}} Filming was done at night, since electricity was limited during the day.{{sfn|Oeler|2018|p=50}} Lack of access to food was widespread; to hide the malnutrition of the actors, the costume designer sewed cotton "muscles" into the costumes.{{sfn|Usuvaliev|2014|pp=188{{ndash}}189}}{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|p=340}} In July 1944, production of the film was transferred to Moscow.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=65}} Although most of the film was shot in black and white, there are color sequences of a dance and banquet in the second part, which correspond to the very last scenes which were shot for the film. Eisenstein filmed these scenes in Moscow, as Prokofiev's score for the scenes were not ready before the film studio ended their evacuation in Alma-Ata. While waiting for Prokofiev, Eisenstein attended a film conference on color in film, and was so impressed by the vivid red colors in a film documentary on the ] that he shot his final scenes in color.{{sfn|Leyda|1982|pp=134{{ndash}}135}}{{sfn|Ryabchikova|2021|p=214}} Filming of the second part was completed in autumn 1945.{{sfn|Perrie|2001|p=170}}
The conductor of the score was {{ill|Abram Stasevich|ru|Стасевич, Абрам Львович}}. After the release of the films, he released an ] adaptation of the music of the film. A recording of the oratorio by ] with ] was released in 1991. {{sfn|Palmer|1991|p=181}}


===Part III=== ===Part III===
A third part, which began production in 1946, was abandoned after the banning of the second part. The footage of several scenes were destroyed. Only a fragment exists of the third part.{{sfn|Bergan|1999|p=345}}{{sfn|Dixon|Foster|2008|p=77}}
A third film, which began production in 1946, was halted when the decision was made not to release the second film. After Eisenstein's death in 1948, all footage from the film was confiscated, and it was rumored to have been destroyed (though some stills and a few brief shots still exist today).<ref>{{cite book|last1=Dixon|first1=Wheeler Winston and Gwendolyn Audrey Foster|title=A Short History of Film|date=2008|publisher=Rutgers University Press|location=New Brunswick, NJ|isbn=978-0813560557|page=|url=https://archive.org/details/shorthistoryoffi00dixo|url-access=registration|access-date=27 March 2015}}</ref>


The plot of Part III was to include Ivan's growing paranoia of his followers, his execution of the Basmanovs, and a battle against Livonian troops which Ivan wins, thus gaining access to the sea for his people at the cost of Malyuta's life.{{sfn|Eisenstein|1962}} Part III would have also introduced the characters of ] and ], played by ]{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=x}} and ], respectively.{{sfn|Neuberger|2008|pp=83, 91{{ndash}}92}} Eisenstein contemplated several endings for Part III: while the published screenplay ends with the tsar walking triumphantly toward the sea, one ending had the aged tsar contemplating the future of Russia, a second had the tsar dying alone and regretful after his murder of his son, and a third would have had the tsar seeing a prophetic vision of ] conquering the ], having himself lost the sea just weeks after conquering it.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=334}}
] made by Eisenstein for the film. Elizabeth was intended to have been portrayed by ].{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=50}}{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|p=376}}]]


==Themes and analysis==
The plot of Part III was to include Ivan's growing paranoia of his followers, his execution of the Basmanovs, and a battle against Livonian troops which Ivan wins, and thus gains access to the sea for his people (however, this is not an accurate reflection to history, as Ivan lost the wars of the Baltic Provinces).<ref>{{cite book|last1=Eisenstein|first1=Sergei |title=Ivan the Terrible: A Screenplay by Sergei M. Eisenstein. Trans. by Ivor Montagu & Herbert Marshall |date=1962|publisher=Simon and Schuster; 1st US edition|asin=B000HB7OVK}}</ref> Eisenstein contemplated several endings for Part III - one ending had the tsar walking triumphantly toward the sea, another had the aged tsar contemplating the future of Russia, a third ending had the tsar dying alone and regretful after his murder of his son, and a fourth ending would have had the tsar seeing a prophetic vision of ] conquering the ], having himself lost the sea just weeks after conquering it.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=334}}
===Stalinism and the depiction of Ivan===
Eisenstein wrote in 1941 that his depiction of Ivan the Terrible was not intended to "whitewash him or to turn Ivan the Terrible into Ivan the Sweet", but rather to show "Ivan in the whole range of his activity and the struggle for the state of Muscovy."{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=306}} Historian ] argues that Eisenstein had no intention to glorify Ivan the Terrible, as he chose to focus on the ''oprichnina'' and the bloodiest years of Ivan's reign and completely excludes his positive reforms from the film.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|page=310}} Ivan, in his pursuit of centralization of power, gives up personal connections and suffers from loneliness for the majority of the film. Due to his fear of vulnerability, he kills those closest to him; Eisenstein called these murders "decisive moments", as they show Ivan's true nature as a murderous ruler desperate to maintain his power.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=192{{ndash}}193}} The film was intended to end with Ivan reaching the Baltic Sea, victorious but alone, having lost or destroyed all those close to him.{{sfn|Ryabchikova|2021}} Neuberger describes ''Ivan the Terrible'' as a "personal drama", compared to the "collective drama" of '']'' or the "patriotic drama" of '']'', as it focuses more on Ivan's personal struggles rather than his political or military career.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=315}}


The film's treatment of ] has been debated. Critics generally agree that Ivan is meant to represent Stalin.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=123{{ndash}}124}} Bernd Uhlenbruch compared the dynamic of Ivan and Kurbsky to Stalin and ], noting that like Trotsky, Kurbsky went into exile, and compares Malyuta to ];{{sfn|Uhlenbruch|1990|pp=274{{ndash}}279}} Mikhail Romm reported that when Part II was first screened in 1946, the audience saw Stalin, Beria, and the ] in Ivan, Malyuta, and the ''oprichnina''.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=319}} While the first part is generally viewed as a Stalinist depiction of Ivan IV, critics such as ] and ] viewed Part II as a serious critique of Stalinism.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|pp=298{{ndash}}299}}{{sfn|Thompson|1977|p=30}} ] wrote that the film "conveyed as poisonous a message as art has ever been asked to monger..."Ivan the Terrible," film and score alike, is dedicated to the proposition that abstract historical purposes justify bloody acts in the here and now."{{sfn|Taruskin|1995}} One reviewer for ''Time Magazine'' wrote: "it cannot be said that Eisenstein is protesting the horror and the madness he portrays. He seems rather...to be trying to explain to himself the hideous paradox that Stalin, in 1943, had become Russia's savior."{{sfn|Time|1960}}
==Analysis==
Eisenstein wrote about ''Ivan The Terrible''’s tone, saying that he wished chiefly to convey a sense of majesty. To achieve this effect, the actors spoke in measured tones, frequently accompanied by ]'s solemn music, '']''.<ref name="leyda" /> Nikolai Cherkasov's style of acting was realistic, but highly stylised and intense. He was said to have been in a state of nervous exhaustion when the filming of the second part of ''Ivan the Terrible'' was completed.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/sergeimeisenstei00seto#page/428/mode/2up|publisher=]|author=Marie Seton|title=Sergei M. Eisenstein: a biography|year=1960|pages=428|author-link=Marie Seton}}</ref>

Historian ] describes ''Ivan the Terrible'' as a "personal drama", compared to the "collective drama" of '']'' or the "patriotic drama" of '']''.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=315}}

===Power===
Eisenstein wrote in 1941 that his depiction of Ivan the Terrible was not intended to "whitewash him or to turn Ivan the Terrible into Ivan the Sweet", but rather to show "Ivan in the whole range of his activity and the struggle for the state of Muscovy."{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=306}} Neuberger argues that Eisenstein had no intention to glorify Ivan the Terrible, as he chose to focus on the oprichnina and the bloodiest years of Ivan's reign and completely excludes his positive reforms from the film.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|page=310}} He desired to show how good and evil interacted with one another within the tsar; thus, Ivan is not good at one point and evil at another point, rather, good and evil coexist within him and influence his actions at all times.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|page=318}}
<!--Ivan, in his pursuit of centralization of power, gives up personal connections and suffers from loneliness for the majority of the film. Due to his fear of vulnerability, he kills those closest to him; Eisenstein called these murders "decisive moments", as they show Ivan's true nature as a murderous ruler to maintain his power.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=192-193}}!-->


===Historicity=== ===Historicity===
Eisenstein took liberties with historical fact in order to develop his narrative: he replaced the historical figures ] and ] with the historical figures of ] and {{ill|Pimen of Novgorod|ru|Пимен (архиепископ Новгородский)}}, who oppose the tsar in the film; additionally, he invented a romance between Prince Kurbsky (whom he depicted as Ivan's childhood friend) and Anastasia in order to create personal strife for Ivan.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|pp=309-310, 314}} Additionally, Pimen of Novgorod was never Metropolitan of Moscow, the characters of Pyotr and Nikola are entirely fictional, and there is no historical evidence that Yefrosinya Staritskaya poisoned Anastasia Romanovna.{{sfn|Halperin|2017}} Eisenstein took liberties with historical fact to develop his narrative. He replaced the historical figures ] and ] with the historical figures of ] and {{ill|Pimen of Novgorod|ru|Пимен (архиепископ Новгородский)}}, who oppose the tsar in the film. He invented a romance between Prince Kurbsky and Anastasia in order to create personal strife for Ivan.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|pp=309{{ndash}}310, 314}} Additionally, Pimen of Novgorod was never Metropolitan of Moscow, the character of the holy fool Nikola is entirely fictional, and there is no historical evidence that Yefrosinya Staritskaya poisoned Anastasia Romanovna.{{sfn|Halperin|2017}}
] depicting the execution of Ivan Fyodorov-Chelyadnin |upright=0.75]]
Vladimir's death may have been inspired by the legend of the execution of the boyar Ivan Fyodorov of the ] family. According to the story, Ivan IV invited Fyodorov-Chelyadnin to sit on the royal throne, dressed in royal robes; he bowed to him, then stabbed him in the heart. The historical Vladimir Staritsky is believed to have been poisoned.{{sfn|Shklovsky|1976|p=253}}


The historical basis of Vladimir's death can be traced to the execution of a certain boyar, Ivan Fyodorov, of the ] family. According to legend, Ivan IV invited Fyodorov to sit on the royal throne, dressed in royal robes; he bowed to Fyodorov, then stabbed him in the heart. The historical Vladimir Staritsky was poisoned.{{sfn|Shklovsky|1976|p=253}}{{sfn|Polovtsov|1913|pp=220-221}}
===Religion=== ===Religion===
Historian Charles J. Halperin argues that the depiction of religion in ''Ivan the Terrible'' is explicitly negative, as all characters associated with the Russian Orthodox Church are negatively characterized. Halperin argues that the portrayal of Philip, who was ] by the Orthodox Church, as a scheming boyar, is particularly defamatory.{{sfn|Halperin|2017}} The Orthodox Church in ''Ivan the Terrible'' is depicted as a power that supports tradition and the interest of the boyars.{{sfn|Seton|1960|p=430}} Historian Charles J. Halperin argues that the depiction of religion in ''Ivan the Terrible'' is explicitly negative, as all characters associated with the Russian Orthodox Church are negatively characterized. Halperin argues that the portrayal of Philip, who was ] by the Orthodox Church, as a scheming boyar, is particularly defamatory.{{sfn|Halperin|2017}}


Religious imagery and allusions, such as ], appear in nearly every scene of the film, and are used to comment on the nature of the characters. Eisenstein tasked the makeup artist, Vasily Goriunov, with making Ivan resemble ], ], ], ], and ] at different points of the film.{{sfn|Tsivian|2001|pp=262{{ndash}}263}} In the film, Ivan watches a play about ]. The biblical story ends with an angel saving the three boys from the flames, and the tyrant Nebuchadnezzar recognizing his folly and repenting. In the film, the model of the angel falls into the flames, and Ivan does not repent or change.{{sfn|Gillespie|2008|p=37}} Yuri Tsivian writes that Ivan in the scene of his near-death resembles ]'s '']'', and compares a scene where Anastasia holds Ivan's foot to Renaissance depictions of ] mourning Christ.{{sfn|Tsivian|2001|pp=263{{ndash}}265}} Pimen appears next to a fresco of the ], Yefrosinya appears next to frescoes of demons, and Vladimir is killed in front of a fresco of the ].{{sfn|Neuberger|2004|p=376}}
===Allusions===
Eisenstein tasked the makeup artist, Vasily Goriunov, with the task of making Ivan resemble at different points of the film ], ], ], ], and ].{{sfn|Tsivian|2001|pp=262-263}}


===Homoeroticism===
Allusions to ]-era art can be found in the film. Tsivian writes that Ivan in the scene of his near-death resembles ]'s '']''. In another scene, Anastasia holds Ivan's foot in a way remniscent of ] mourning Christ. Clark writes that visually, Fyodor Basmanov resembles ]'s portrait of ], insinuating the idea that like the Medici family, the oprichnina rules by violence rather than by office (in contrast to the boyars).{{sfn|Tsivian|2001|pp=263-265}}{{sfn|Clark|2012|p=52}}
The film has been interpreted as having a homoerotic subtext, particularly in regards to the characters of Fyodor, Ivan, and Vladimir. In the interpretation of Neuberger, most of the male characters of the film show signs of homoerotic attraction. Eisenstein wrote in his production notes that King Sigismund's courtiers were "effeminate" and that Fyodor Basmanov "must love" Ivan, and in one of the final scenes of the film, Fyodor dances in ], dressed in a parody of Anastasia's clothing.{{sfn|Neuberger|2018|p=130}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=322{{ndash}}324}} Additionally, Eisenstein in his notes wrote one scene implying Fyodor's homosexuality {{ndash}} while pillaging a boyar estate, he takes a pair of earrings from a young woman; his father later discovers the earrings and punches him. This scene was never filmed.{{sfn|Neuberger|2018|p=128}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=321}} In his notes for the film, Eisenstein describes Fyodor's role in the film as the replacement of Anastasia, or an '']'' version of Anastasia;{{sfn|Shklovsky|1976|p=252}} in the view of both David Gillespie and Sultan Usuvaliev, he specifically replaces Anastasia as Ivan's "partner".{{sfn|Gillespie|2008|p=23}}{{sfn|Usuvaliev|2014|p=194}}


Dwight Macdonald commented that "'s homosexuality has free play... Ivan has a favorite, a flirtatious, bold-eyed police agent, and many excuses are found for having Ivan put his hands on the handsome young face... There are two open homosexuals in the film....the king of Poland... son, Vladimir."{{sfn|Bergan|1999|pp=345{{ndash}}346}} ] in his analysis of Eisenstein's work wrote that Vladimir Staritsky was "the only explicit reference to homosexuality in Eisenstein's entire career".{{sfn|Waugh|1977|p=66}} ] disagreed with an interpretation of the characters as homosexual, writing that Ivan and Fyodor were depicted as no more than close friends, that Fyodor's dance in feminine clothing was a reference to ], and that none of the characters in the film were depicted as homosexual.{{sfn|Bergan|1999|p=346}}
According to ], Eisenstein took inspiration from the works of ] when writing the death of Vladimir Staritsky. Specifically, Vladimir's death most closely resembles the ending of '']'', based on Hugo's '']'': the court jester wishes to kill the king, but by accident kills his own child, who is dressed as the king.{{sfn|Shklovsky|1976|p=252}}
<!--Eisenstein admired ]'s films, being inspired in particular by ] and ], and encouraged his actors for the kind of "plasticity" that Disney's animated characters had.{{sfn|Oeler|2018|p=51}} !-->


===Symbolism=== ===Power===
{{multiple image
Certain symbols are constantly repeated within the film. Notable examples include the ] which refers to truth. Other symbols include ], which are symbolic of the ], and then contemporary views of the Church and theology.
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| width = 200px
| image1 = 100 views edo 107.jpg
| alt1 = A woodcut of a hawk flying and looking over a snowy landscape
| caption1 =
| image2 = Ivan Grozny Depth Composition.png
| alt2 = Ivan the Terrible looking over a crowd of people in a snowy landscape
| caption2 = ] suggested that Eisenstein's depiction of Ivan was influenced by ] art.{{sfn|Leyda|1982|pp=vii, 128}}
}}

Birdlike symbolism is used to emphasize Ivan's power and character. His movements are bird-like, and his makeup emphasizes an aquiline appearance. In one scene, his staff casts the shadow of a ] onto his face.{{sfn|Oeler|2018|p=50}} ] compared another scene of Ivan to a ] ] ].{{sfn|Leyda|1982|pp=vii, 128}}

Eisenstein extensively used shadows in the film, to the point where ] complained that Eisenstein's "fascination with shadows" was distracting for the viewer.{{sfn|Tsivian|2019}} Shadows are often used to visually explain a character's power and control over other characters. This is especially evident in the throne room scene in Part I, when Ivan's shadow dominates the globe, with all those around him referring to his political power.{{sfn|Gillespie|2008|pp=29{{ndash}}30}}

Malyuta Skuratov, after his promotion to role of the tsar's spy, is dressed in a new black robe; when he first carries out executions, he is dressed in gold-stitched brocade. In the view of Neuberger, this symbolizes the transformation of the ''oprichnina'' into a ] force.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=326}} ] writes that visually, Fyodor Basmanov resembles ]'s portrait of ], insinuating the idea that like the Medici family, the ''oprichnina'' rules by violence rather than by office (in contrast to the boyars).{{sfn|Clark|2012|p=52}}

The young male supporters of Ivan are all clean-shaven, meanwhile, the boyars, along with the older Malyuta and Alexei Basmanov, all have beards. Kolychov, at Ivan's coronation, shows a small beard. Towards the end of the film, Vladimir Staritsky begins to show a small beard. According to Gillespie, this is a sign that Vladimir is associated with the old order, and will inevitably be destroyed alongside the boyars, while Kolychov's conflict with Ivan was hinted at since his coronation. Additionally, Pyotr, who intended to kill Ivan, was meant to join Ivan in the third part of the film; Pyotr is beardless.{{sfn|Gillespie|2008|p=29}}


==Screenings and release==
Neuberger interprets the film as having a homoerotic subtext. In her interpretation, most of the male characters of the film show signs of homoerotic attraction. Eisenstein wrote in his production notes that King Sigismund's courtiers were "effeminate" and that Fyodor "must love" Ivan, and in one of the final scenes of the film, Fyodor Basmanov dances in ], dressed in a parody of Anastasia's clothing.{{sfn|Neuberger|2018|p=130}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=322-324}} Additionally, Eisenstein in his notes wrote one scene implying Fyodor Basmanov's homosexuality - Basmanov, while pillaging a boyar estate, pursues a young woman for her earrings; his father later discovers the earrings and punches him. This scene was never filmed.{{sfn|Neuberger|2018|p=128}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=321}} In his notes for the film, Eisenstein describes Fyodor's role in the film as the replacement of Anastasia, or an '']'' version of Anastasia; in Gillespie's view, Fyodor specifically replaces Anastasia as Ivan's "partner".{{sfn|Shklovsky|1976|p=252}}{{sfn|Gillespie|2008|p=23}}
''Ivan The Terrible, Part I'' was screened by the Mosfilm Artistic Council in October 1944. The members of the council were disappointed with the film. The members criticized the characterization of Ivan IV, Malyuta Skuratov, and the ''oprichnina''. As a result, they demanded the removal of the prologue (part of which would be reinserted into Part II as flashbacks of Ivan's childhood{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=311}}), more emphasis on Ivan's accomplishments as Tsar, and modification of the presentation of the ''oprichniki'' to make them less sinister. The artistic merits of the film were also criticized.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=306{{ndash}}309}} Part I was screened for Stalin in December of that year and premiered in Moscow in January 1945.{{efn|The film premiered either on 16 or 20 January.{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=22}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=66}}}} The same year, it was nominated for the ]. In spite of the objections of the members of the Stalin Prize committee, the film ultimately received the prize.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=313{{ndash}}319}} For their work on Part I, Eisenstein, Cherkasov, Prokofiev, Moskvin, Tisse, and Birman{{sfn|Perrie|2001|p=169}} were each awarded a Stalin Prize in 1946.{{sfn|Platt et al.|1999|p=640}}{{sfn|Taylor|2004|p=39}}


The second film, ''Ivan The Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot'', was submitted for screening in February 1946.{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=22}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=69}} The film received heavy criticism from the ], who called the picture "anti-historical".{{sfn|Seton|1960|pp=449{{ndash}}450}} Ivan Pyryev compared the depiction of Ivan and the ''oprichnina'' to fascists and stated that the portrayal of Ivan was completely unsympathetic.{{sfn|Gillespie|2008|pp=23{{ndash}}24}} Part II was then banned by the Central Committee on 5 March 1946, about a month after Part I had been awarded the Stalin Prize.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=305}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=23}} In spite of this, Eisenstein insisted on screening Part II for Stalin, who called it a "nightmare".{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=321, 327}} Stalin criticized Eisenstein's Ivan as being "a weak-willed ]", and the ''oprichnina'' as being too similar to the ].{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=328}}{{sfn|Taylor|2004|p=40}} Eisenstein and Cherkasov met with Stalin on 25 February 1947 to discuss modifications to the film in order to lift the ban. After the meeting, despite receiving permission to revise Part II and begin work on Part III, Eisenstein did not work further on the film.{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=23}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=330{{ndash}}331, 334}} A year later, in February 1948, Eisenstein suffered a fatal heart attack while writing an article about the film.{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=23}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=69{{ndash}}70}}
]s are also used, to visually explain a character's power and control over other characters. This is especially evident in the throne room scene in Part I, when Ivan's shadow dominates the globe, with all those around him referring to his political power.{{sfn|Gillespie|2008|pp=29-30}} In one scene, his staff casts the shadow of a ] onto his face, tying into his ] imagery.{{sfn|Oeler|2018|p=50}}


On 6 May 1958, Part II was screened for a group of Soviet historians by Mosfilm, who were asked whether it could be shown to Soviet viewers. The historians widely agreed that Part II could be shown to Soviet viewers, as it "could not discredit art, ideology, or aims",<ref>{{harvnb|Ryabchikova|2021|pp=325}}: "Как произведение, выражающее определенные идеи, оно не может дискредитировать ни наше исскуство, ни нашу идеологию, ни наши устремления, и с этой точки зрения оно может иметь доступ к широкому зрителю"</ref> and recommended its release to the Ministry of Culture.{{sfn|Ryabchikova|2021|pp=324{{ndash}}325}} Part II was released in the USSR on 1 September 1958.{{sfn|LaValley|Scherr|2001|p=144}} In October, it received its world premiere at the ].{{sfn|Leyda|1959|p=22}}
Certain characters wear colours to refer to their roles in the narrative. Malyuta Skuratov, after his promotion to role of the tsar's spy, is dressed in a new black robe; when he first carries out executions, he is dressed in gold-stitched brocade. In the view of Neuberger, this symbolizes the transformation of the ''oprichnina'' into a ] force.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=326}} Pimen, the antagonistic Metropolitan, is initially dressed all in white, to symbolize death. In Eisenstein's sketches, Pimen is given a skull-like quality, and one scene had him standing opposite of a fresco of the ].{{sfn|Tsivian|2001|pp=257-259}}


The film was restored under the direction of ]; it was presented at the ].{{sfn|Smurygina|2015}} In 2021, it was re-released for theaters in select Russian cities.{{sfn|Iskusstvo Kino|2021}}
The young male supporters of Ivan are all beardless, meanwhile, the boyars, along with the older Malyuta and Alexei Basmanov, all have beards. Kolychov, at Ivan's coronation, shows a small beard. Towards the end of the film, Vladimir Staritsky begins to show a small beard. According to Gillespie, this is a sign that Vladimir is associated with the old order, and will inevitably be destroyed alongside the boyars, while Kolychov's conflict with Ivan was hinted at since his coronation. Additionally, Pyotr, who intended to kill Ivan, was meant to join Ivan in the third part of the film; Pyotr is beardless.{{sfn|Gillespie|2008|p=29}}


==Reception== ==Reception==
The film has been polarizing amongst viewers.{{sfn|Tsukerman|2019}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=2}} It has been noted for its complexity. Film theorist {{ill|Leonid Kozlov (film theorist)|lt=Leonid Kozlov|ru|Козлов, Леонид Константинович}} in a review of Eisenstein's career called it "the most complex and most masterful" of Eisenstein's films; Neuberger likewise described the film as being far more complex, in both artistic and political terms, than any of his other films.<ref>{{harvnb|Kozlov|1961|pp=88{{ndash}}90}}:"«Иван Грозный» {{mdash}} несомненно, самое сложное и вероятно, самое мастерское из произведений Эйзенштейна."</ref>{{sfn|Neuberger|2003|p=27}} According to Yuri Tsivian, it has been called "the most complex movie ever made".{{sfn|Tsivian|2019}}{{sfn|Neuberger|2004|p=374}}
The film has been polarizing amongst viewers.


The first part was received ambivalently in the USSR upon release.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=305-306}} Artist ] in a 1947 review criticized the quality of the film and acting, and wrote "It doesn't seem likely that this film is a Russian piece of art. The director and artist have no sense of the ''Russian'' soul. Clearly, this is history taken from the point of view of a foreigner or ]."{{sfn|Perkhin|2012}} ] directly references the film in his 1962 novel '']''; in a scene where two characters argue about the merits of the film, one of the characters claims about Eisenstein "You can’t call him a genius! Call him an ass-kisser who followed orders like a dog."{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=298}} The first part was received ambivalently by general in the USSR upon release, although it received mostly positive critical reviews.{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|pp=305{{ndash}}306}} Critic {{ill|Boris Romashov|ru|Ромашов, Борис Сергеевич}}, writing for '']'', called the first part a "masterpiece of cinematographic art" and praised the acting, cinematography, and set design.{{sfn|Romashov|1945|p=4}} ] also praised the film in his review for '']''.{{sfn|Perrie|2001|p=168}} ] directly references the film in his 1962 novel '']''; in a scene where two characters argue about the merits of the film, one of the characters claims about Eisenstein: "You can't call him a genius! Call him an ass-kisser who followed orders like a dog."{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=298}} In retrospective, the film was highly praised. Natalya Sokolova wrote for '']'' in 1958 that the film was the greatest work of each of its participants, in spite of the film's flaws; in particular, she praised Cherkasov's acting.{{sfn|Sokolova|1958|pp=90{{ndash}}96}}


], writing for the New York Times, called Part I a "work of art" and praised the visuals, camerawork, Prokofiev's score, and Cherkasov's performance, while criticizing the lack of continuity in the film, and the "conspicuously tolitarian" depiction of Ivan IV.{{sfn|Crowther|1947}} In contrast, Crowther harshly criticized Part II, calling it a "pale extension" of part I.{{sfn|Crowther|1959}} ''Ivan the Terrible'' was awarded 4 out of 4 stars by critic ] and included on his list of "Great Movies'. In his 2012 review, Ebert praised the scope and visuals while criticizing the story, and concluded "It is one of those works that has proceeded directly to the status of Great Movie without going through the intermediate stage of being a good movie... every serious movie lover should see it - once."{{sfn|Ebert|2012}} Director ] named ''Ivan the Terrible'' as one of his 100 favorite films.{{sfn|Thomas-Mason|2023}} Russian-born director ] named ''Ivan the Terrible'' his favorite film.{{sfn|Tsukerman|2019}} ] reportedly considered the film excellent from a director's point of view and an artistic point of view, but criticized the quality of the acting.{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|p=338}} ] wrote a negative review of ''Part I'', which offended Eisenstein.{{sfn|Kapterev|2010|p=247}} When the first part was first screened in France, the reception was mixed both among audiences, and among critics.{{sfn|Time|1946}} ], writing for ''The New York Times'', called Part I a "work of art" and praised the visuals, camerawork, Prokofiev's score, and Cherkasov's performance, while criticizing the lack of continuity in the film, and the "conspicuously totalitarian" depiction of Ivan IV.{{sfn|Crowther|1947}} In contrast, Crowther harshly criticized Part II, calling it a "pale extension" of Part I.{{sfn|Crowther|1959}} ] wrote that ''Ivan'' was "lacking in human dimensions...True, every frame in it looks great...but as a movie, it's static, grandiose, and frequently ludicrous."{{sfn|Neuberger|2019|p=301}} ''Ivan the Terrible'' was awarded 4 out of 4 stars by critic ] and included on his list of "Great Movies". In his 2012 review, Ebert praised the scope and visuals while criticizing the story, and concluded "It is one of those works that has proceeded directly to the status of Great Movie without going through the intermediate stage of being a good movie...every serious movie lover should see it once."{{sfn|Ebert|2012}} ] wrote similarly that ''Ivan'' was "a film quite pure in style, hideous in its magnificence, and superhuman in its characters...Ivan is a great film, in motive and in plan; but it is not a good one."{{sfn|Maddow|1945|p=30}} Critic ] wrote in 1959 that the film was the "] of the cinematic genius of Eisenstein".{{sfn|de Baroncelli|2009}} It was included among Harry Medved's ], as well as in '']''.{{sfn|Medved|Dreyfuss|1978|pp=113{{ndash}}116}}{{sfn|Schneider|2005}} '']'' in 1962 named ''Ivan the Terrible'' the 6th greatest film of all time, tying with ''Battleship Potemkin'' and '']''; in 1972, ''Sight and Sound'' named it the 12th greatest film of all time, tying with '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''.{{sfn|BFI|1961}}{{sfn|BFI|1972}} '']'' in 1959 named it the fourth-best film of all time.{{sfn|Hillier|1985|p=287}}


Directors ], ], and ] named ''Ivan the Terrible'' as among their favorite films.{{sfn|Thomas-Mason|2023}}{{sfn|Wigley|2015}}{{sfn|Tsukerman|2019}} ] called the film "the greatest historic film that has ever been made".{{sfn|Grossman|2011}}{{sfn|Bergan|1999|p=329}} ] reportedly considered the film excellent from a director's point of view and an artistic point of view, but criticized the quality of the acting.{{sfn|Yurenev|1974|p=338}} ] stated that ''Ivan the Terrible'' influenced his interest in Russia and led him to pursue doctoral research about Russian Christianity.{{sfn|Williams|2018}} ] watched the film "with rapt attention"; it is believed to have influenced his film '']''.{{sfn|LaValley|Scherr|2001|p=144, 163, 165}} Among those that disliked the film were ]{{sfn|Kapterev|2010|p=247}} and ], the latter of which called it "stupid and provincial" and criticized Prokofiev's music.{{sfn|Grossman|2011}}
While the first part is generally viewed as a Stalinist depiction of Ivan IV, critics such as ] and ] viewed Part II as a serious critique of Stalinism.{{sfn|Neuberger|2014|p=298-299}}{{sfn|Thompson|1977|p=30}}{{sfn|Platt|2007|pp=294-295}}


==References== ==References==
{{Notelist}}

===Citations=== ===Citations===
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist|20em}}

===Bibliography=== ===Bibliography===
{{refbegin|30em}} {{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite book|title=Eisenstein: a life in conflict |date=1999 |last=Bergan |first=Ronald |author-link=Ronald Bergan |access-date=16 September 2024 |url=https://archive.org/embed/eisensteinlifein00berg |publisher=Overlook Press |location=Woodstock, N.Y }}
*{{cite journal |last1=Clark |first1=Katerina |title=Sergei Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible and the Renaissance: An Example of Stalinist Cosmopolitanism? |journal=] |date=2012 |volume=71 |issue=1 |pages=49–69 |doi=10.5612/slavicreview.71.1.0049 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5612/slavicreview.71.1.0049 |access-date=12 July 2024}}
*{{cite web |last=Crowther |first=Bosley |author1-link=Bosley Crowther |title=' Ivan the Terrible,' Eisenstein Film, With Prokofieff Music, Opens at Stanley -- 'Years Between' Seen at Park Ave. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/03/10/archives/ivan-the-terrible-eisenstein-film-with-prokofieff-music-opens-at.html |website=] |access-date=10 July 2024 |date=10 March 1947}} * {{Cite journal |last1=Clark |first1=Katerina |author1-link=Katerina Clark |title=Sergei Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible and the Renaissance: An Example of Stalinist Cosmopolitanism? |journal=] |date=2012 |volume=71 |issue=1 |pages=49–69 |doi=10.5612/slavicreview.71.1.0049 |jstor=10.5612/slavicreview.71.1.0049 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5612/slavicreview.71.1.0049 |access-date=12 July 2024}}
*{{cite web |last1=Crowther |first1=Bosley |title=Screen: 'Ivan the Terrible, Part II'; Eisenstein's 1947 Film Opens at Murray Hill Cherkassov Heads Cast of Soviet Production |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/25/archives/screen-ivan-the-terrible-part-ii-eisensteins-1947-film-opens-at.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=10 July 2024 |date=25 November 1959}} * {{Cite web |last=Crowther |first=Bosley |author1-link=Bosley Crowther |title=' Ivan the Terrible,' Eisenstein Film, With Prokofieff Music, Opens at Stanley 'Years Between' Seen at Park Ave. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/03/10/archives/ivan-the-terrible-eisenstein-film-with-prokofieff-music-opens-at.html |website=] |access-date=10 July 2024 |date=10 March 1947}}
*{{Cite web|last=Ebert |first=Roger |title = Ivan the Terrible, Parts I / II movie review|url = https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-ivan-the-terrible-parts-i-and-ii |date=19 January 2012 |website=] |access-date=10 July 2024}} * {{Cite web |last1=Crowther |first1=Bosley |title=Screen: 'Ivan the Terrible, Part II'; Eisenstein's 1947 Film Opens at Murray Hill Cherkassov Heads Cast of Soviet Production |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/25/archives/screen-ivan-the-terrible-part-ii-eisensteins-1947-film-opens-at.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=10 July 2024 |date=25 November 1959}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Gillespie |first1=David |title=Sergei Eisenstein and the Articulation of Masculinity |journal=New Zealand Slavonic Journal |date=2008 |volume=42 |pages=1–53 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41219949 |access-date=12 July 2024 |issn=0028-8683}} * {{Cite news |last1=de Baroncelli |first1=Jean |title="Ivan le Terrible" est un chef-d'oeuvre |trans-title="Ivan the Terrible" is a masterpiece |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2009/04/06/ivan-le-terrible-est-un-chef-d-oeuvre_1177221_3232.html |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Le Monde |date=6 April 2009 |language=fr}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Dixon |first1=Wheeler Winston |author1-link=Wheeler Winston Dixon |first2=Gwendolyn Audrey |last2=Foster|author2-link=Gwendolyn Audrey Foster |title=A Short History of Film|date=2008|publisher=Rutgers University Press|location=New Brunswick, NJ|isbn=978-0813560557|url=https://archive.org/details/shorthistoryoffi00dixo/page/77|url-access=registration|access-date=27 March 2015}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Halperin |first1=Charles J. |title=The Atheist Director and the Orthodox Tsar: Sergei Eisenstein’s Ivan the Terrible |journal=] |date=30 December 2017 |volume=88 |issue=3 |pages=515–526 |doi=10.4000/res.1272 |access-date=11 July 2024 |url=https://journals.openedition.org/res/1272}}
* {{Cite web|last=Ebert |first=Roger |title = Ivan the Terrible, Parts I / II movie review|url = https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-ivan-the-terrible-parts-i-and-ii |date=19 January 2012 |website=] |access-date=10 July 2024}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Kapterev |first1=Sergei |title=Sergei Eisenstein's letters to Hollywood film-makers |journal=Studies in Russian and Soviet Cinema |date=July 2010 |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=245–253 |doi=10.1386/srsc.4.2.245_7 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1386/srsc.4.2.245_7 |access-date=12 July 2024}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/notesoffilmdirec00eise#page/152/mode/2up|title=Notes of a film director|publisher=Foreign Languages Pub. House|last= Eisenstein|first=Sergei |year=1959}}
*{{cite journal|last=Neuberger|first=Joan |title=Not a Film but a Nightmare: Revisiting Stalin's Response to Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible, Part II |author-link=Joan Neuberger |journal=] |volume=19 |issue=1 |date=2018 |publisher=Slavica Publishers |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/28/article/685637/summary |doi=10.1353/kri.2018.0005 |pages=115-142}}
* {{Cite book |last=Eisenstein |first=Sergei M. |year=1962 |editor=Ivor Montagu |title=S. M. Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible: A Screenplay |url=https://archive.org/details/ivanterriblescre0000eise |url-access=subscription |edition=1st US |translator=Ivor Montagu and Herbert Marshall |location=New York |publisher=Simon & Schuster |lccn=62-12417 |oclc=1393056426}} London: Secker & Warburg, 1963. Includes bibliography.
*{{cite journal |last=Neuberger |first=Joan |title=Sergei Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible as History |journal=] |date=2014 |volume=86 |issue=2 |pages=295–334 |doi=10.1086/675483 |jstor=10.1086/675483 |s2cid=147797492 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/675483 |access-date=19 July 2023 |issn=0022-2801}}
* {{cite book|last=Eisenstein |first=Sergei |year=1964 |volume=3 |title=Избранные произведения |trans-title=Selected Writings |publisher=Iskusstvo |location=Moscow |url=https://archive.org/details/Sergei-Eisenstein-selected-1964-3-of-6/%D0%A1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%B9%20%D0%AD%D0%B9%D0%B7%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%88%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B9%D0%BD%20-%20%5B1964%5D%20-%20%D0%98%D0%B7%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F%20%5B3-6%5D/page/530/mode/2up?q=%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B9 |access-date=11 September 2024 |lang=ru}}
*{{cite book |last=Neuberger |first=Joan |title=This Thing of Darkness: Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible in Soviet Russia |date=2019 |publisher=Cornell University Press |location=Ithaca, N.Y. |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7591/9781501732775/html |access-date=10 July 2024 |doi=10.7591/9781501732775 |ISBN= 9781501732775}}
*{{cite book |last1=Oeler |first1=Karla |editor1-last=Pomerance |editor1-first=Murray |editor2-last=Steven |editor2-first=Kyle |title=Close-Up: Great Cinematic Performances |date=2018 |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |isbn=9781474417044 |chapter-url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781474417044-006/html?lang=en |access-date=12 July 2024 |chapter=Nikolai Cherkasov in Ivan the Terrible |volume=2 |series= International Film Stars }} * {{Cite journal |last1=Gillespie |first1=David |title=Sergei Eisenstein and the Articulation of Masculinity |journal=New Zealand Slavonic Journal |date=2008 |volume=42 |pages=1–53 |jstor=41219949 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41219949 |access-date=12 July 2024 |issn=0028-8683}}
* {{Cite magazine |last=Grossman |first=Andrew |date=March 2011 |title=Ivan the Terrible Parts I and II |url=http://www.sensesofcinema.com/2011/cteq/ivan-the-terrible-parts-i-and-ii/ |magazine=] |location= |publisher= |access-date=29 July 2024}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Palmer |first1=Christopher |title=Prokofiev, Eisenstein and Ivan |journal=] |date=April 1991 |volume=132 |issue=1778 |pages=179 |doi=10.2307/966131 |access-date=10 July 2024 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/966131}}
*{{cite journal|last=Perkhin|first=V.V. |title=Мстислав Добужинский о фильме «Иван Грозный» |trans-title=Mstislav Dobuzhinsky about the film "Ivan the Terrible" |journal=Journal of SPbU |date=25 May 2012 |url=https://journal.spbu.ru/?p=7110 |issue=7}} * {{Cite journal |last1=Halperin |first1=Charles J. |title=The Atheist Director and the Orthodox Tsar: Sergei Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible |journal=] |date=30 December 2017 |volume=88 |issue=3 |pages=515–526 |doi=10.4000/res.1272 |access-date=11 July 2024 |url=https://journals.openedition.org/res/1272}}
* {{Cite book |editor-last=Hillier |editor-first=Jim |date=1985 |title=Cahiers du cinéma. The 1950s: Neo-realism, Hollywood, New Wave |access-date=21 September 2024 |location=Cambridge, Mass. |publisher=Harvard University Press |url=https://archive.org/details/cahiersducinema10000unse_m8a3/page/286/mode/2up?q=terrible}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Platt |first1=Kevin M. F. |title=Allegories of Stalinist Historiography: Eisenstein’s Ivan the Terrible |journal=] |date=2007 |volume=2007 |issue=4 |pages=293–322 |doi=10.1353/imp.2007.0111 |access-date=10 July 2024 |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/article/561155/summary}}
* {{Cite news|work=] |date=31 August 2021 |access-date=16 September 2024 |title=«Иван Грозный». Повторный прокат |trans-title="Ivan the Terrible". Repeat release |url=https://kinoart.ru/texts/ivan-groznyy-povtornyy-prokat |lang=ru |ref={{harvid|Iskusstvo Kino|2021}}}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Platt |first1=Kevin M. F. |last2=Brandenberger |first2=David |title=Terribly Romantic, Terribly Progressive, or Terribly Tragic: Rehabilitating Ivan IV under I. V. Stalin |journal=] |date=1999 |volume=58 |issue=4 |pages=635–654 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2679233 |access-date=10 July 2024 |issn=0036-0341 |ref={{harvid|Platt et al.|1999}}}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Kapterev |first1=Sergei |title=Sergei Eisenstein's letters to Hollywood film-makers |journal=Studies in Russian and Soviet Cinema |date=July 2010 |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=245–253 |doi=10.1386/srsc.4.2.245_7 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1386/srsc.4.2.245_7 |access-date=12 July 2024}}
*{{cite encyclopedia |script-title=ru:Федоров-Челяднин, Иван Петрович |trans-title=Fyodorov-Chelyadnin, Ivan Petrovich |encyclopedia=] |date= |year=1913 |editor-last=Polovtsov |editor-first=Alexander |editor-link=Alexander Polovtsov |publisher=] |location= |id= |volume=25 |language=ru}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Khitrova |first1=Daria |title=Eisenstein's choreography in Ivan the Terrible |journal=Studies in Russian and Soviet Cinema |date=13 April 2011 |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=55–71 |doi=10.1386/srsc.5.1.55_1 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1386/srsc.5.1.55_1 |access-date=13 July 2024}}
*{{cite journal|url=https://kinoart.ru/texts/otryvok-iz-knigi-ivan-groznyy-hroniki-eyzenshteyna-ya-dumayu-analogiya-analogiya-hozhu-analogiya-analogiya-smotryu-analogiya-analogiya |journal=] |last=Ryabchikova |first=Natalya |title=Отрывок из книги «Иван Грозный. Хроники Эйзенштейна». «Я думаю — аналогия, аналогия...» |trans-title=Excerpt from the book "Ivan the Terrible: Chronicles of Eisenstein". "I think - analogy, analogy..." |date=30 September 2021 }}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Kozlov |first1=Leonid |title=Творчество С. М. Эйзенштейна |journal=] |date=1961 |issue=9 |url=https://archive.org/details/iskusstvo-kino-1961/%D0%98%D1%81%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%81%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE%20%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%201961%20%E2%84%96%2009/page/87/mode/2up |access-date=10 September 2024 |lang=ru |trans-title=The works of S. M. Eisenstein}}
*{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/sergeimeisenstei00seto/mode/2up?view=theater|publisher=]|last= Seton|first=Marie |title=Sergei M. Eisenstein: a biography|year=1960|author-link=Marie Seton}}
*{{Cite book|last=Shklovsky |first=Viktor |author-link=Viktor Shklovsky |title=Эйзенштейн |trans-title=Eisenstein |edition=2 |date=1976 |publisher=Исскуство |lang=ru}} * {{Cite book |last=Kushnirov |first=Mark |year=2016 |title=Эйзенштейн |trans-title=Eisenstein |url=https://archive.org/embed/zenshten0000kush |location=Moscow |publisher=] |lang=ru |access-date=13 September 2024}}
* {{Cite book |editor1-last=LaValley |editor1-first=Albert J. |editor2-last=Scherr |editor2-first=Barry P. |title=Eisenstein at 100 : A Reconsideration |date=2001 |url=https://archive.org/details/eisensteinat100r0000unse/page/144/mode/2up?q=1958 |location=New Brunswick, N.J |publisher=Rutgers University Press }}
*{{cite web |last1=Thomas-Mason |first1=Lee |title=From Stanley Kubrick to Martin Scorsese: Akira Kurosawa once named his top 100 favourite films of all time |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/akira-kurosawa-100-favourite-films-list/ |website=] |date=15 June 2023 |access-date=10 July 2024}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Leyda |first1=Jay |author-link1= Jay Leyda |year=1982 |url= https://archive.org/details/eisensteinatwork0000leyd |title=Eisenstein at Work |isbn=0-394-41262-1 |publisher= Pantheon Books, the Museum of Modern Art}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Thompson |first1=Kristin |author-link=Kristin Thompson |title="Ivan the Terrible" and Stalinist Russia: A Reexamination |journal=] |date=1977 |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=30-43 |doi=10.2307/1225468 |access-date=10 July 2024 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1225468 |jstor=1225468}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Tsivian |first1=Yuri |title=What is wrong with the beard : Eisenstein’s Ivan the Terrible as an eccentric tragedy |journal=Cinémas |date=2001 |volume=11 |issue=2-3 |pages=255–270 |doi=10.7202/024855ar |url=https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/cine/2001-v11-n2-3-cine1883/024855ar.pdf |issn=1705-6500 |access-date=12 July 2024}} *{{Cite journal |last1=Leyda |first1=Jay |title=Two-Thirds of a Trilogy |journal=] |date=1 April 1959 |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=16–22 |doi=10.2307/3185979 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3185979 |access-date=24 October 2024}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Maddow |first1=Ben |author-link=Ben Maddow |title=Eisenstein and the Historical Film |journal=Hollywood Quarterly |date=1945 |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=26–30 |doi=10.2307/1209585 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1209585 |access-date=24 October 2024 |issn=1549-0076}}
*{{cite web |last1=Tsukerman |first=Slava |author-link=Slava Tsukerman |date=22 January 2019 |access-date=10 July 2024 |url=https://kinoart.ru/texts/ivan-grozniy |lang=ru |website=] |title=Двойная «мышеловка», или Самоубийство фильмом: режиссер Слава Цукерман — об «Иване Грозном» Эйзенштейна |trans-title=Double "mouse trap", or suicide by film: director Slava Tsukerman talks about Eisenstein's "Ivan the Terrible"}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Medved |first1=Harry |last2=Dreyfuss |first2=Randy |title=The fifty worst films of all time: and how they got that way |date=1978 |publisher=Popular Library |location=New York |isbn=9780445041394 |pages=113–116 |access-date=29 July 2024 |url=https://archive.org/details/fiftyworstfilmso0000medv/page/112/mode/2up?q=eisenstein}}
*{{cite book|editor-last=Yurenev |editor-first=Rostislav |editor-link=Rostislav Yurenev |lang=ru |title=Эйзенштейн в воспоминаниях современенников |trans-title=Eisenstein in the memories of his contemporaries |date=1974 |location=Moscow |publisher=Исскуство }}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Neuberger |first1=Joan |title=Eisenstein's Angel |journal=] |date=2004 |volume=63 |issue=3 |pages=375–406 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-9434.2004.00323.x |jstor=3664647 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3664647 |access-date=13 July 2024 |issn=0036-0341 |author-link=Joan Neuberger}}
* {{Cite book|last=Neuberger |first=Joan |chapter=Eisenstein’s Cosmopolitan Kremlin: Drag Queens, Circus Clowns, Slugs, and Foreigners in Ivan the Terrible|editor1-last=Martirosova Torlone |editor1-first=Zara |editor2-last=M. Norris |editor2-first=Stephen |title=Insiders and Outsiders in Russian Cinema |publisher=Indiana University Press |date=2008 |chapter-url=https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/3/edited_volume/chapter/1923846 |access-date=21 September 2024}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Neuberger|first=Joan |title=Not a Film but a Nightmare: Revisiting Stalin's Response to Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible, Part II |journal=] |volume=19 |issue=1 |date=2018 |publisher=Slavica Publishers |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/28/article/685637/summary |doi=10.1353/kri.2018.0005 |pages=115–142}}
* {{Cite book|last=Neuberger |first=Joan |title=Ivan the Terrible: The Film Companion |date=2003 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=47WKDwAAQBAJ |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=9780857713919 }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Neuberger |first=Joan |title=Sergei Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible as History |journal=] |date=2014 |volume=86 |issue=2 |pages=295–334 |doi=10.1086/675483 |jstor=10.1086/675483 |s2cid=147797492 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/675483 |access-date=19 July 2023 |issn=0022-2801}}
* {{Cite book |last=Neuberger |first=Joan |title=This Thing of Darkness: Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible in Soviet Russia |date=2019 |publisher=Cornell University Press |location=Ithaca, N.Y. |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7591/9781501732775/html |access-date=10 July 2024 |doi=10.7591/9781501732775 |isbn= 9781501732775}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Oeler |first1=Karla |editor1-last=Pomerance |editor1-first=Murray |editor1-link=Murray Pomerance |editor2-last=Stevens |editor2-first=Kyle |title=Close-Up: Great Cinematic Performances |date=2018 |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |isbn=9781474417044 |chapter-url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781474417044-006/html?lang=en |access-date=12 July 2024 |chapter=Nikolai Cherkasov in Ivan the Terrible |volume=2 |series= International Film Stars |pages=46–57 |doi=10.1515/9781474417044-006 }}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Palmer |first1=Christopher |title=Prokofiev, Eisenstein and Ivan |journal=] |date=April 1991 |volume=132 |issue=1778 |pages=179–181 |doi=10.2307/966131 |jstor=966131 |access-date=10 July 2024 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/966131}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Perrie |first1=Maureen |author1-link=Maureen Perrie |title=The Cult of Ivan the Terrible in Stalin's Russia |date=2001 |publisher=Palgrave MacMillan |url=https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781403919694 |access-date=30 July 2024 |doi=10.1057/9781403919694|isbn=978-1-349-39741-9 }}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Platt |first1=Kevin M. F. |last2=Brandenberger |first2=David |title=Terribly Romantic, Terribly Progressive, or Terribly Tragic: Rehabilitating Ivan IV under I. V. Stalin |journal=The Russian Review |date=1999 |volume=58 |issue=4 |pages=635–654 |doi=10.1111/0036-0341.00098 |jstor=2679233 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2679233 |access-date=10 July 2024 |issn=0036-0341 |ref={{harvid|Platt et al.|1999}}}}
* {{Cite book|last=Rieber |first=Alfred J. |author-link=Alfred Rieber |chapter=Stalin as Historian and Legalist |doi=10.1515/9781501775574-011 |title=Reflections on Stalinism |editor1-last=Getty |editor1-first=J. Arch |editor1-link=J. Arch Getty |editor2-last=Siegelbaum |editor2-first=Lewis H. |editor2-link=Lewis H. Siegelbaum |series=NIU Series in Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies |publisher=Cornell University Press |date=2024 |isbn=9781501775574 |chapter-url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781501775574-011/html}}
* {{Cite news |last1=Romashov |first1=Boris |title=Фильм „ Иван Грозный“ |trans-title="Ivan the Terrible" film |url=https://archive.org/embed/no0982626191945 |access-date=13 September 2024 |work=] |issue=29 |date=4 February 1945 |language=ru}}
* {{Cite book|editor1-last=Ryabchikova |editor1-first=Natalya |title=Иван Грозный. Хроники Эйзенштейна |trans-title=Ivan the Terrible: Chronicles of Eisenstein |publisher=Isskustvo Kino |date=2021 |isbn=9785604689301 |language=ru}}
* {{Cite book |title=1001 movies you must see before you die |date=2005 |publisher=Barron's |location=Hauppauge, N.Y |isbn=9780764159077 |edition=Rev. |access-date=29 July 2024 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1_IKAQAAMAAJ&q=20 |editor-last=Schneider |editor-first=Steven Jay}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/sergeimeisenstei00seto/mode/2up?view=theater|publisher=]|last= Seton|first=Marie |title=Sergei M. Eisenstein: a biography|year=1960|author-link=Marie Seton}}
* {{Cite book|last=Shklovsky |first=Viktor |author-link=Viktor Shklovsky |title=Эйзенштейн |trans-title=Eisenstein |edition=2 |date=1976 |publisher=Исскуство |lang=ru}}
* {{Cite magazine |date=Winter 1961{{ndash}}1962 |title=Top/Ten |magazine=Sight & Sound |publisher=British Film Institute |volume=31 |issue=1 |page=10|url=https://archive.org/details/Sight_and_Sound_1962_01_BFI_GB/page/n15/mode/2up?view=theater|access-date=30 July 2024|via=] |ref={{harvid|BFI|1961}}}}
* {{Cite magazine |date=Winter 1971{{ndash}}1972 |title=Top/Ten |magazine=Sight & Sound |publisher=British Film Institute |volume=41 |issue=1 |page=12|url=https://archive.org/details/Sight_and_Sound_1972_01_BFI_GB/page/n21/mode/2up?q=terrible|access-date=22 September 2024|via=] |ref={{harvid|BFI|1972}}}}
*{{cite news |last1=Smurygina |first1=Yevgenia |title=«Ивана Грозного» в Каннах смотрели на пляже под звездами |trans-title="Ivan the Terrible" watched in Cannes on beach under the stars |url=https://www.bfm.ru/news/293196 |access-date=11 September 2024 |work=BFM.ru |date=18 May 2015 |language=ru}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Sokolova |first1=Natalya |title=Живопись фильма |journal=Iskusstvo Kino |date=1958 |issue=12 |url=https://archive.org/details/1958-no-08/%D0%98%D1%81%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%81%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE%20%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%201958%20%E2%84%96%2012/page/89/mode/2up |access-date=11 September 2024 |lang=ru}}
* {{Cite web |last1=Taruskin |first1=Richard |author-link=Richard Taruskin |title=CLASSICAL MUSIC; Great Artists Serving Stalin Like a Dog |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/28/arts/classical-music-great-artists-serving-stalin-like-a-dog.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=14 July 2024 |date=28 May 1995}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Taylor |first1=Richard |editor1-last=Antoine-Dunne |editor1-first=Jean |editor2-last=Quigley |editor2-first=Paula |title=The Montage Principle: Eisenstein in New Cultural and Critical Contexts |date=2004 |publisher=Brill |isbn=9789004334472 |pages=25–43 |chapter-url=https://brill.com/display/book/9789004334472/B9789004334472-s003.xml |access-date=19 July 2024 |language=en |chapter=Sergei Eisenstein: The Life and Times of A Boy from Riga}}
* {{Cite web |last1=Thomas-Mason |first1=Lee |title=From Stanley Kubrick to Martin Scorsese: Akira Kurosawa once named his top 100 favourite films of all time |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/akira-kurosawa-100-favourite-films-list/ |website=] |date=15 June 2023 |access-date=10 July 2024}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Thompson |first1=Kristin |author-link=Kristin Thompson |title='Ivan the Terrible' and Stalinist Russia: A Reexamination |journal=] |date=1977 |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=30–43 |doi=10.2307/1225468 |access-date=10 July 2024 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1225468 |jstor=1225468}}
* {{Cite news |title=Cinema: Boos & Bravos |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,792748,00.html |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=] |ref={{harvid|Time|1946}} |date=1 April 1946}}
* {{Cite magazine |title=Cinema: The New Pictures, Jan. 4, 1960 |url=https://time.com/archive/6807005/cinema-the-new-pictures-jan-4-1960/ |magazine=TIME |access-date=26 July 2024 |language=en |date=4 January 1960 |ref={{harvid|Time|1960}}}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Tobak |first1=Esfir |title=Мой Гигант |journal=Iskusstvo Kino |date=1998 |issue=6 |url=https://womenfilmeditors.princeton.edu/assets/pdfs/TOBAK_Moi_Gigant.pdf |access-date=30 July 2024 |lang=ru |trans-title=My Giant |pages=126{{ndash}}144}}
* {{Cite book|last=Tsivian |first=Yuri |title=Ivan the Terrible |date=2019 |publisher=Bloomsbury |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gQn8DwAAQBAJ |isbn=9781838716462 }}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Tsivian |first1=Yuri |title=What is wrong with the beard : Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible as an eccentric tragedy |journal=Cinémas |date=2001 |volume=11 |issue=2–3 |pages=255–270 |doi=10.7202/024855ar |url=https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/cine/2001-v11-n2-3-cine1883/024855ar.pdf |issn=1705-6500 |access-date=12 July 2024}}
* {{Cite web |last1=Tsukerman |first1=Slava |author-link=Slava Tsukerman |date=22 January 2019 |access-date=10 July 2024 |url=https://kinoart.ru/texts/ivan-grozniy |lang=ru |website=Iskusstvo Kino |title=Двойная «мышеловка», или Самоубийство фильмом: режиссер Слава Цукерман — об «Иване Грозном» Эйзенштейна |trans-title=Double "mouse trap", or suicide by film: director Slava Tsukerman talks about Eisenstein's "Ivan the Terrible"}}
* {{Cite book |last=Uhlenbruch |first=Bernd |date=1990 |chapter=The Annexation of History: Eisenstein and the Ivan Grozny Cult of the 1940s |editor-last=Günther |editor-first=Hans |title=The Culture of the Stalin Period |series=Studies in Russia and East Europe |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |location=London |doi=10.1007/978-1-349-20651-3_15 |isbn=978-1-349-20653-7 |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-20651-3_15 |access-date=19 September 2024}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Usuvaliev |first1=Sultan |title=The godfathers of Mikhail Kuznetsov |journal=Studies in Russian and Soviet Cinema |date=2 September 2014 |volume=8 |issue=3 |pages=184–199 |doi=10.1080/17503132.2014.969527 |access-date=26 July 2024 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17503132.2014.969527}}
* {{Cite web |last1=Verkhoglyadov |first1=Ilya |title=«Иван Грозный» Сергея Эйзенштейна: как устроен один из главных исторических фильмов мирового кино |trans-title="Ivan the Terrible" by Sergei Eisenstein: how one of the great historical films of world cinema is composed |url=https://lumos.art/cinema/ivan-groznyj/ |website=Lumos |access-date=11 September 2024 |date=8 October 2021 |lang=ru}}
* {{Cite book|last=Waugh |first=Thomas |author-link=Thomas Waugh |date=1977 |chapter=A fag-spotter's guide to Eisenstein |chapter-url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9780822380948-007/html?lang=en |issue=35 |title=The Fruit Machine|doi=10.1515/9780822380948-007 |access-date=26 July 2024}}
* {{Cite web |last=Wigley |first=Sam |title=Eric Rohmer's 10 favourite films |url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/lists/eric-rohmers-10-favourite-films |website=] |access-date=29 July 2024 |language=en |date=12 January 2015}}
* {{Cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Rowan |author-link=Rowan Williams |title=The night that changed my life: Rowan Williams on watching Ivan the Terrible on TV |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/tv/2018/12/archbishop-rowan-williams-ivan-the-terrible-russian-christianity |website=] |access-date=26 July 2024 |date=6 December 2018}}
* {{Cite book|editor-last=Yurenev |editor-first=Rostislav |editor-link=Rostislav Yurenev |lang=ru |title=Эйзенштейн в воспоминаниях современенников |trans-title=Eisenstein in the memories of his contemporaries |date=1974 |location=Moscow |publisher=Исскуство |url=https://archive.org/details/1974_20230716}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Zorkaya |first=Neya |author-link=Neya Zorkaya |title=История отечественного кино |trans-title=A History of Soviet Cinema |url=https://archive.org/embed/istoriiasovetsko0000zork |lang=ru |date=2006 |location=Saint-Petersburg |publisher=Алетейя |access-date=13 September 2024}}
{{refend}} {{refend}}


==Further Reading== ==Further reading==
* Eisenstein, Sergei, et al. ''The Film Sense''. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1975. {{ISBN|978-0-15-630935-6}}.
===Screenplay===
* Eisenstein, Sergei, and Jay Leyda. ''Film Form''. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1949. {{ISBN|0-15-630920-3}}.
* Eisenstein, Sergei M. (1963) ''Ivan the Terrible: a screenplay''; translated by Ivor Montagu and Herbert Marshall; edited by ]. London: Secker / Warburg (published in the US by Simon & Schuster, 1962); includes bibliography
* Eisenstein, Sergei, et al. ''The Eisenstein Reader''. London: British Film Institute, 1998. {{ISBN|0-85170-675-4}}.

* Gallez, Douglas W. ''The Prokofiev-Eisenstein Collaboration: "Nevsky" and "Ivan" Revisited.'' Cinema Journal, 1978. {{doi|10.2307/1225488}}.
===Academic works===
* Eisenstein, Sergeii Mikhailovich, et al.'' The Film Sense''. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1975. {{ISBN|978-0-15-630935-6}} * Nesbet, Anne. ''Savage Junctures: Sergei Eisenstein and the Shape of Thinking''. City: I. B. Tauris, 2003. {{ISBN|978-1-85043-330-9}}.
* Eisenstein, Sergei, and Jay Leyda. ''Film Form''. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1949. {{ISBN|0-15-630920-3}} * Minturn, Neil. ''The Music of Sergei Prokofiev''. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997. {{ISBN|0-300-06366-0}}.
* Ejzenstejn, Sergej, et al. ''The Eisenstein Reader''. London: British Film Institute, 1998. {{ISBN|0-85170-675-4}} * Thompson, Kristin. ''Eisenstein's "Ivan the Terrible": A Neoformalist Analysis''. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1981. {{ISBN|0-69110-120-5}}.
* Gallez, Douglas W. ''The Prokofiev-Eisenstein Collaboration: "Nevsky" and "Ivan" Revisited.'' Cinema Journal, 1978. {{doi|10.2307/1225488}}
* Neuberger, Joan. ''Ivan the Terrible''. London: I. B. Tauris, 2003.
* Nesbet, Anne. ''Savage Junctures: Sergei Eisenstein and the Shape of Thinking''. City: I. B. Tauris, 2003. {{ISBN|978-1-85043-330-9}}
* Minturn, Neil. ''The Music of Sergei Prokofiev''. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997. {{ISBN|0-300-06366-0}}
* Thompson, Kristin. ''Eisenstein's "Ivan the Terrible": A Neoformalist Analysis''. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1981. {{ISBN|0-69110-120-5}}
* Tsivian, Yuri. ''Ivan the Terrible''. London: B.F.I. Publishing, 2002. {{ISBN|0-85170-834-X}}


==External links== ==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0037824|Ivan the Terrible part I}} * {{IMDb title|0037824|Ivan the Terrible Part I}}
* {{IMDb title|0051790|Ivan the Terrible part II}} * {{IMDb title|0051790|Ivan the Terrible Part II}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|ivan-the-terrible-pt-1|Ivan the Terrible part I}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes|ivan-the-terrible-pt-1|Ivan the Terrible Part I}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|ivan-the-terrible-pt-2|Ivan the Terrible part II}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes|ivan-the-terrible-pt-2|Ivan the Terrible Part II}}
* ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231416/http://cinema.mosfilm.ru/films/film/Ivan-Groznyj/ivan-grozniy-1-ya-seriya/ |date=2013-12-02 }}) at the official ] site with English subtitles
* {{AllMovie title|25620|Ivan the Terrible}}
* —An essay by ] at the ]
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231416/http://cinema.mosfilm.ru/films/film/Ivan-Groznyj/ivan-grozniy-1-ya-seriya/ |date=2013-12-02 }} at official ] site with English subtitles
* an essay by ] at the ]
*


{{Sergei Eisenstein}} {{Sergei Eisenstein}}
{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 00:08, 22 December 2024

1945 two-part film by Sergei Eisenstein

Ivan the Terrible
Theatrical poster for the film Ivan the TerribleTheatrical poster
Directed bySergei Eisenstein
Written bySergei Eisenstein
Produced bySergei Eisenstein
Starring
CinematographyAndrei Moskvin
Eduard Tisse
Edited by
Music bySergei Prokofiev
Release dates
  • January 1945 (1945-01) (Part 1)
  • 1 September 1958 (1958-09-01) (Part 2)
Running time
  • 177 minutes
  • Part 1: 95 minutes
  • Part 2: 82 minutes
CountrySoviet Union
LanguageRussian

Ivan the Terrible (Russian: Иван Грозный, romanizedIvan Grozny) is a two-part Soviet epic historical drama film written and directed by Sergei Eisenstein, with music composed by Sergei Prokofiev. A biopic starring Nikolay Cherkasov as Ivan IV of Russia, the film follows Ivan IV from his childhood to his older years as tsar, and details his formation of the oprichnina and conflict with the boyars, particularly with his aunt (Serafima Birman) and cousin (Pavel Kadochnikov). Lyudmila Tselikovskaya plays a supporting role as Ivan's wife Anastasia, with members of the oprichnina being played by Mikhail Zharov, Amvrosy Buchma, and Mikhail Kuznetsov. Ivan the Terrible was Eisenstein's final film.

Soviet leader Joseph Stalin commissioned the film in early 1941; production was delayed by the beginning of World War II, and ultimately did not start until April 1943. The majority of the film was shot in Alma-Ata; several scenes were shot in Moscow. Part I was released in 1945, and received a Stalin Prize. Part II, although it finished production in 1946, was banned and not released until 1958. Eisenstein had planned three parts for the film, but with the banning of Part II, filming of Part III was stopped. Eisenstein died in 1948, leaving the film incomplete.

The film has a mixed legacy, being both harshly criticized and highly praised. Since its release, it has been named in several lists of the best films of all time, and has often been called one of Eisenstein's most complex films. The film has been analyzed by scholars in regards to Eisenstein's treatment of Stalinism within the film.

Plot

Ivan the Terrible, Parts I and II

Part I

In 1547, the 17-year-old Grand Prince of Moscow, Ivan IV, is crowned as the tsar of all Russia, amid animosity from the boyars and jealousy from his aunt Yefrosinya Staritskaya. Yefrosinya wishes to see her son, Vladimir Staritsky, on the throne instead. Ivan makes a speech proclaiming his intent to unite and protect Russia against the foreign armies outside her borders and the enemies within – a reference to the boyars, who are already unhappy with his coronation. A Livonian ambassador asks Prince Andrei Kurbsky why Ivan is more worthy to rule than Kurbsky is.

Shortly after, Ivan marries Anastasia Romanovna. Kurbsky, who is in love with her, attempts to resume his romance with her, but she rejects his advances. At the wedding, Fyodor Kolychov, a close friend of Ivan, informs him that he cannot support him in his mission against the boyars and receives his permission to retire to monastic life. The marriage feast is interrupted by an unruly mob of common people, led by Malyuta Skuratov and the holy fool Nikola. The two complain that the tsar is being led astray by the tsarina's family. Ivan calms the crowd, but is interrupted by envoys from the khanate of Kazan, who announce that Kazan has declared war against Muscovy. Malyuta swears loyalty to the tsar and accompanies him to Kazan.

In the siege of Kazan of 1552, Ivan's army digs saps underneath the city and fills them with gunpowder. Kurbsky, nominally in command, is reprimanded by Ivan for senseless brutality against their Tatar prisoners, causing his resentment against Ivan to grow. The city of Kazan falls to the Russian army. Here, Ivan meets Alexei Basmanov, a commoner who despises the boyars.

During his return from Kazan, Ivan falls deathly ill. Yefrosinya reminds Kurbsky of how Ivan betrayed him by marrying the woman he loves. She urges him to swear allegiance to Vladimir, promising him rule over Moscow, as Vladimir is intellectually disabled and not fit to rule on his own. Ivan sends for the boyars and orders them to swear allegiance to his son, the infant Dmitri, reminding them of the need for a single ruler to keep Russia united. The boyars, encouraged by Yefrosinya, refuse to do so. Ivan collapses and is thought dead. The boyars all begin to swear allegiance to Vladimir. However, when the tsarina hints that Ivan is not yet dead, Kurbsky hurriedly swears his allegiance to Dmitri. Ivan unexpectedly grows well, and as a reward for his loyalty, Kurbsky is sent to the western border of the kingdom to defend against the Livonians and Poles. Alexei Basmanov is sent to the south to take care of the Crimean border. The fact that Ivan promotes a commoner over them creates more discontent amongst the boyars.

The boyars and the Archbishop Pimen plot against Ivan. Yefrosinya, in order to weaken Ivan and leave him without allies, plans to kill Anastasia. Just as the royal couple receives word that Kurbsky has surrendered to the Livonians, she slips a goblet of poisoned wine into the room. The news shocks the tsarina, who is already ill. Ivan, looking around for a drink to calm her, takes the wine and gives it to her, unknowingly killing her.

Ivan questions his own justifications and ability to rule, wondering if his wife's death and Kurbsky's final defection to King Sigismund of Poland is God's punishment against him. He sends for his old friend, Kolychov. Alexei Basmanov suggests that Ivan instead surround himself with men he can really trust, the oprichniki. He offers his son, Fyodor, in service to Ivan.

Ivan abdicates and leaves Moscow for Alexandrova Sloboda in 1564, waiting until the people beg him to return, saying that he would then rule with absolute power by the will of the people.

Part II: The Boyars' Plot

In 1565, Kurbsky swears allegiance to King Sigismund of Poland. Sigismund promises to make Kurbsky ruler of Ivan's territories once he exploits the tsar's absence by conquering them. The plan is foiled when an emissary announces that Ivan has returned to Moscow. In Moscow, Ivan declares the establishment of the zemshchina and oprichnina.

Kolychov, now known as Philip, arrives. Ivan, lacking allies, asks him to become metropolitan of Moscow. He agrees, on the condition of being given the right to intercede for condemned men. As soon as it is settled, Malyuta, on Ivan's orders, kills several boyars (three of which are Philip's kinsmen) before he can intercede for them, gaining Philip's enmity.

Reminiscing on his childhood, Ivan recalls witnessing his mother's death by poisoning. He remembers as a teenager, standing up to the boyars Shuiskiy and Belskiy, both of which want him to sign a trade contract with the Livonian Knights and the Hanseatic League, respectively. After Shuiskiy insults Ivan's mother and attempts to strike him, Ivan has him executed, and declares that he will rule alone, as tsar.

Fyodor Basmanov suggests to the tsar that his wife was poisoned. Suspecting Yefrosinya of the murder, he orders Fyodor to keep silent about this suspicion until they are certain of her guilt. Meanwhile, Philip vows to block Ivan's abuse of power and confronts him in the cathedral while a miracle play about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is presented. As they argue, a boyar child confuses Ivan for Nebuchadnezzar. The child calls out, asking whether this is the "terrible heathen king". Ivan immediately grows certain that Yefrosinya killed his wife. He proclaims that he will be exactly what his enemies call him – terrible.

Some time after, Yefrosinya announces to the boyars that Ivan has arrested Philip, and will likely execute him. Having lost one of their most powerful allies, the boyars, along with the archbishop Pimen, decide that their only option is to assassinate Ivan. The novice Pyotr is selected to carry out the assassination. Malyuta then arrives to invite Vladimir to a banquet with Ivan and the oprichniki.

At the banquet, Ivan gets Vladimir drunk. Vladimir mentions that there is a plot to kill and replace Ivan with him as tsar. Fyodor and Malyuta notice Pyotr leaving for the cathedral and signal to Ivan who, feigning surprise at Vladimir's revelation, suggests Vladimir try being tsar. He has the oprichniki bring the throne, orb, scepter, crown, and royal robes, and they all bow down to Vladimir. Vladimir then leads the oprichniki and Ivan to the cathedral in prayer. Pyotr mistakes him for the tsar and fatally stabs him.

Yefrosinya arrives, celebrating the death of Ivan. After she sees him alive, she realizes that her son has been killed and goes insane. Ivan pardons the assassin, thanking him for killing not only "a fool", but "the tsar's worst enemy". Ivan proclaims to his oprichniki that all his enemies within Moscow are vanquished, therefore, he can now turn his attention to those outside.

Cast

Production

Development

In May 1940, Eisenstein sent Ivan Bolshakov a letter about two films that he planned to write a scenario for, together with Lev Sheinin. The first option was about Lawrence of Arabia, and the other was about the Beilis affair. Additionally, Eisenstein had in mind a film about Pushkin. Bolshakov did not respond to this letter, so in December of the same year, Eisenstein and Sheinin wrote Stalin a letter expanding on their ideas for the Beilis film. The Beilis film was rejected in January 1941. In the same month, Eisenstein met with Andrei Zhdanov, who instead commissioned on Stalin's behalf a film about Ivan the Terrible. Stalin admired Ivan IV, considering him to be a "great and wise" ruler. He was interested in rehabilitating Ivan's image to a more positive image, particularly to one of a powerful state builder, and promoted the image of Ivan IV as the founder of the modern Russian state.

Eisenstein began research on the film in early 1941. Among his sources were Heinrich von Staden's and Andrei Kurbsky's writings about their lives in Ivan's court and his reign, and Ivan's correspondence with Kurbsky. Additionally, Eisenstein read the biography of Ivan by Robert Wipper and the writings of historians Sergei Solovyov, Vasily Klyuchevsky, Alexander Pypin, and Igor Grabar. Eisenstein filled over a hundred notebooks with his ideas for the film.

Sketch of Queen Elizabeth I made by Eisenstein
A 1942 drawing of Queen Elizabeth I made by Eisenstein for the film. Elizabeth was intended to have been portrayed by Mikhail Romm.

By the end of February, Eisenstein had a rough draft of the screenplay; he submitted the first draft of the screenplay to Mosfilm in May 1941. After the invasion of the USSR in June 1941, he planned to modify the screenplay to emphasize the antagonistic nature of the Germanic forces of the Holy Roman Emperor, the Livonian Knights, and the Hanseatic League; Eisenstein also planned to show more of Ivan's positive relations with the English. Also due to the invasion, Mosfilm evacuated most of their actors and professionals to Alma-Ata. Eisenstein was evacuated to Alma-Ata in October; he completed the screenplay in December. The screenplay was approved in September 1942, but due to bureaucratic pressure, Eisenstein removed most of the scenes with the English. The scenario of Ivan the Terrible had been accepted by Mosfilm in the form of two full-length films. Eisenstein considered splitting the screenplay into three parts and discussed this with Grigori Alexandrov, who was against this; ultimately, he ignored Alexandrov's advice and changed the film from two parts to three. He received permission to create a third part in 1944.

The score for the films was composed by Sergei Prokofiev, with whom Eisenstein had collaborated on Alexander Nevsky. Eisenstein wrote to Prokofiev in March 1942, asking him to compose the score for Ivan the Terrible; Prokofiev arrived in May. Prokofiev incorporated music from an unrealized production of an adaptation of Boris Godunov into the score. He did not finish writing the score of Part I until August 1944. In January of 1945, he suffered a concussion, and was too ill to work. In spite of Prokofiev's request that Eisenstein instead work with Gavriil Popov, Eisenstein insisted on working with him. He recovered by October of that year and was able to complete the score for Part II.

Casting

Casting for the film began in spring of 1942. Eisenstein invited Nikolay Cherkasov, who had previously performed the title role in Eisenstein's Alexander Nevsky, to play Ivan IV. Mikhail Zharov, who had wanted to perform the role of Kurbsky, was instead offered the role of Malyuta. Erik Pyryev, son of director Ivan Pyryev, performed the role of the young Ivan. Ada Voytsik, Erik's mother, played the role of Ivan's mother, Elena Glinskaya.

Eisenstein wanted Vsevolod Pudovkin to play Pimen, but Pudovkin was filming In the Name of the Fatherland and was unavailable at the time; then he suffered a heart attack and could not accept the role. He ultimately played the holy fool Nikola. Aleksandr Mgrebov was then considered for the role of Pimen. Unknown to Eisenstein, he was seriously ill with tuberculosis. When Eisenstein learned about Mgrebov's illness, he organized medical treatment for the actor, who later stated that Eisenstein's intervention saved his life.

According to Mikhail Kuznetsov, Eisenstein noticed him after his performance in Mashenka, and already began to consider him for the role of Fyodor Basmanov. After Kuznetsov, along with most actors working with Mosfilm, evacuated to Alma-Ata, Eisenstein offered him the role. Pavel Kadochnikov stated that Eisenstein had wanted Nikolay Okhlopkov to play the role of Vladimir Staritsky, but Okhlopkov was too old for the role. Therefore, Kadochnikov was invited to play Vladimir. He also played the role of a clown in the miracle play in Part II, and was meant to have played the role of Evstafy, a kinsman of Philip II, in Part III. He was also considered for the role of the Polish King Sigismund, although that role went to Pavel Massalsky.

The actresses for Anastasia and Yefrosinya were found 6 months after filming began. The role of the tsarina first was offered to ballerina Galina Ulanova, however, filming conflicted with her dancing career, leading her to reject the role. Ultimately, Lyudmila Tselikovskaya, who was Zharov's wife, was cast as the tsarina. Eisenstein wanted to cast Faina Ranevskaya as Yefrosinya, but Ivan Bolshakov, who had final say on casting choice, insisted that Ranevskaya, as a Jewish actress, was an unsuitable choice to play the boyarina. The role then went to Serafima Birman.

Filming

Production on the film was delayed until April 1943 due to the ongoing invasion of the USSR. Eisenstein had worked almost exclusively with Eduard Tisse for most of his features, and invited Tisse to work on the film. In 1942, Eisenstein became friends with Andrei Moskvin, and developed a closer relationship with Moskvin than he had with Tisse. However, he did not want to fire Tisse, as he was concerned that Tisse, without the protection of Eisenstein, could be arrested for his "Germanic" name. Cinematography was therefore divided between the two: Tisse shot the exteriors, and Moskvin, who became director of photography, filmed all interior scenes. The color sequences of Part II were also filmed by Moskvin.

One of the difficulties of filming was making Cherkasov look convincingly both older and younger than he was. Ivan had to age throughout the film, so the 39-year-old Cherkasov had to portray a 17-year-old Ivan at the beginning of Part I and gradually age to a 53-year-old Ivan. For the portrayal of 17-year-old Ivan, makeup artist Vasily Goriunov used adhesive to glue back the flesh on Cherkasov's face. This also had the effect of limiting his ability to move his face. Cherkasov's style of acting was realistic, but highly stylized and intense. He was reported to have been in a state of nervous exhaustion when the filming of the second part of Ivan the Terrible was completed.

Most of the production was shot in Kazakhstan at Mosfilm's substantial production facility in Alma-Ata; several scenes were shot in the town of Kaskelen, 30 kilometers from Alma-Ata. Filming was done at night, since electricity was limited during the day. Lack of access to food was widespread; to hide the malnutrition of the actors, the costume designer sewed cotton "muscles" into the costumes. In July 1944, production of the film was transferred to Moscow. Although most of the film was shot in black and white, there are color sequences of a dance and banquet in the second part, which correspond to the very last scenes which were shot for the film. Eisenstein filmed these scenes in Moscow, as Prokofiev's score for the scenes were not ready before the film studio ended their evacuation in Alma-Ata. While waiting for Prokofiev, Eisenstein attended a film conference on color in film, and was so impressed by the vivid red colors in a film documentary on the Potsdam Conference that he shot his final scenes in color. Filming of the second part was completed in autumn 1945.

Part III

A third part, which began production in 1946, was abandoned after the banning of the second part. The footage of several scenes were destroyed. Only a fragment exists of the third part.

The plot of Part III was to include Ivan's growing paranoia of his followers, his execution of the Basmanovs, and a battle against Livonian troops which Ivan wins, thus gaining access to the sea for his people at the cost of Malyuta's life. Part III would have also introduced the characters of Heinrich von Staden and Queen Elizabeth I, played by Oleg Zhakov and Mikhail Romm, respectively. Eisenstein contemplated several endings for Part III: while the published screenplay ends with the tsar walking triumphantly toward the sea, one ending had the aged tsar contemplating the future of Russia, a second had the tsar dying alone and regretful after his murder of his son, and a third would have had the tsar seeing a prophetic vision of Peter the Great conquering the Baltic Sea, having himself lost the sea just weeks after conquering it.

Themes and analysis

Stalinism and the depiction of Ivan

Eisenstein wrote in 1941 that his depiction of Ivan the Terrible was not intended to "whitewash him or to turn Ivan the Terrible into Ivan the Sweet", but rather to show "Ivan in the whole range of his activity and the struggle for the state of Muscovy." Historian Joan Neuberger argues that Eisenstein had no intention to glorify Ivan the Terrible, as he chose to focus on the oprichnina and the bloodiest years of Ivan's reign and completely excludes his positive reforms from the film. Ivan, in his pursuit of centralization of power, gives up personal connections and suffers from loneliness for the majority of the film. Due to his fear of vulnerability, he kills those closest to him; Eisenstein called these murders "decisive moments", as they show Ivan's true nature as a murderous ruler desperate to maintain his power. The film was intended to end with Ivan reaching the Baltic Sea, victorious but alone, having lost or destroyed all those close to him. Neuberger describes Ivan the Terrible as a "personal drama", compared to the "collective drama" of Battleship Potemkin or the "patriotic drama" of Alexander Nevsky, as it focuses more on Ivan's personal struggles rather than his political or military career.

The film's treatment of Stalinism has been debated. Critics generally agree that Ivan is meant to represent Stalin. Bernd Uhlenbruch compared the dynamic of Ivan and Kurbsky to Stalin and Trotsky, noting that like Trotsky, Kurbsky went into exile, and compares Malyuta to Beria; Mikhail Romm reported that when Part II was first screened in 1946, the audience saw Stalin, Beria, and the NKVD in Ivan, Malyuta, and the oprichnina. While the first part is generally viewed as a Stalinist depiction of Ivan IV, critics such as Naum Kleiman and Dwight Macdonald viewed Part II as a serious critique of Stalinism. Richard Taruskin wrote that the film "conveyed as poisonous a message as art has ever been asked to monger..."Ivan the Terrible," film and score alike, is dedicated to the proposition that abstract historical purposes justify bloody acts in the here and now." One reviewer for Time Magazine wrote: "it cannot be said that Eisenstein is protesting the horror and the madness he portrays. He seems rather...to be trying to explain to himself the hideous paradox that Stalin, in 1943, had become Russia's savior."

Historicity

Eisenstein took liberties with historical fact to develop his narrative. He replaced the historical figures Metropolitan Macarius and Sylvester with the historical figures of Metropolitan Philip and Pimen of Novgorod [ru], who oppose the tsar in the film. He invented a romance between Prince Kurbsky and Anastasia in order to create personal strife for Ivan. Additionally, Pimen of Novgorod was never Metropolitan of Moscow, the character of the holy fool Nikola is entirely fictional, and there is no historical evidence that Yefrosinya Staritskaya poisoned Anastasia Romanovna.

Painting depicting the execution of the boyar Fyodorov-Chelyadnin. The Tsar, in red, kneels in the center, holding a dagger behind his back; Fyodorov-Chelyadnin sits dressed in royal robes to the right.
Painting by Nikolai Nevrev depicting the execution of Ivan Fyodorov-Chelyadnin

Vladimir's death may have been inspired by the legend of the execution of the boyar Ivan Fyodorov of the Chelyadnin family. According to the story, Ivan IV invited Fyodorov-Chelyadnin to sit on the royal throne, dressed in royal robes; he bowed to him, then stabbed him in the heart. The historical Vladimir Staritsky is believed to have been poisoned.

Religion

The Orthodox Church in Ivan the Terrible is depicted as a power that supports tradition and the interest of the boyars. Historian Charles J. Halperin argues that the depiction of religion in Ivan the Terrible is explicitly negative, as all characters associated with the Russian Orthodox Church are negatively characterized. Halperin argues that the portrayal of Philip, who was canonized by the Orthodox Church, as a scheming boyar, is particularly defamatory.

Religious imagery and allusions, such as icons, appear in nearly every scene of the film, and are used to comment on the nature of the characters. Eisenstein tasked the makeup artist, Vasily Goriunov, with making Ivan resemble Nebuchadnezzar, Judas, Uriel Acosta, Mephistopheles, and Jesus Christ at different points of the film. In the film, Ivan watches a play about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The biblical story ends with an angel saving the three boys from the flames, and the tyrant Nebuchadnezzar recognizing his folly and repenting. In the film, the model of the angel falls into the flames, and Ivan does not repent or change. Yuri Tsivian writes that Ivan in the scene of his near-death resembles Hans Holbein's Dead Christ, and compares a scene where Anastasia holds Ivan's foot to Renaissance depictions of Mary Magdalene mourning Christ. Pimen appears next to a fresco of the Angel of Death, Yefrosinya appears next to frescoes of demons, and Vladimir is killed in front of a fresco of the Forty Martyrs.

Homoeroticism

The film has been interpreted as having a homoerotic subtext, particularly in regards to the characters of Fyodor, Ivan, and Vladimir. In the interpretation of Neuberger, most of the male characters of the film show signs of homoerotic attraction. Eisenstein wrote in his production notes that King Sigismund's courtiers were "effeminate" and that Fyodor Basmanov "must love" Ivan, and in one of the final scenes of the film, Fyodor dances in drag, dressed in a parody of Anastasia's clothing. Additionally, Eisenstein in his notes wrote one scene implying Fyodor's homosexuality – while pillaging a boyar estate, he takes a pair of earrings from a young woman; his father later discovers the earrings and punches him. This scene was never filmed. In his notes for the film, Eisenstein describes Fyodor's role in the film as the replacement of Anastasia, or an ersatz version of Anastasia; in the view of both David Gillespie and Sultan Usuvaliev, he specifically replaces Anastasia as Ivan's "partner".

Dwight Macdonald commented that "'s homosexuality has free play... Ivan has a favorite, a flirtatious, bold-eyed police agent, and many excuses are found for having Ivan put his hands on the handsome young face... There are two open homosexuals in the film....the king of Poland... son, Vladimir." Thomas Waugh in his analysis of Eisenstein's work wrote that Vladimir Staritsky was "the only explicit reference to homosexuality in Eisenstein's entire career". Ronald Bergan disagreed with an interpretation of the characters as homosexual, writing that Ivan and Fyodor were depicted as no more than close friends, that Fyodor's dance in feminine clothing was a reference to Chinese opera, and that none of the characters in the film were depicted as homosexual.

Power

A woodcut of a hawk flying and looking over a snowy landscapeIvan the Terrible looking over a crowd of people in a snowy landscapeLeyda suggested that Eisenstein's depiction of Ivan was influenced by ukiyo-e art.

Birdlike symbolism is used to emphasize Ivan's power and character. His movements are bird-like, and his makeup emphasizes an aquiline appearance. In one scene, his staff casts the shadow of a double-headed eagle onto his face. Jay Leyda compared another scene of Ivan to a Hiroshige woodcut of a hawk.

Eisenstein extensively used shadows in the film, to the point where Andrei Zhdanov complained that Eisenstein's "fascination with shadows" was distracting for the viewer. Shadows are often used to visually explain a character's power and control over other characters. This is especially evident in the throne room scene in Part I, when Ivan's shadow dominates the globe, with all those around him referring to his political power.

Malyuta Skuratov, after his promotion to role of the tsar's spy, is dressed in a new black robe; when he first carries out executions, he is dressed in gold-stitched brocade. In the view of Neuberger, this symbolizes the transformation of the oprichnina into a neofeudal force. Katerina Clark writes that visually, Fyodor Basmanov resembles Botticelli's portrait of Giuliano de Medici, insinuating the idea that like the Medici family, the oprichnina rules by violence rather than by office (in contrast to the boyars).

The young male supporters of Ivan are all clean-shaven, meanwhile, the boyars, along with the older Malyuta and Alexei Basmanov, all have beards. Kolychov, at Ivan's coronation, shows a small beard. Towards the end of the film, Vladimir Staritsky begins to show a small beard. According to Gillespie, this is a sign that Vladimir is associated with the old order, and will inevitably be destroyed alongside the boyars, while Kolychov's conflict with Ivan was hinted at since his coronation. Additionally, Pyotr, who intended to kill Ivan, was meant to join Ivan in the third part of the film; Pyotr is beardless.

Screenings and release

Ivan The Terrible, Part I was screened by the Mosfilm Artistic Council in October 1944. The members of the council were disappointed with the film. The members criticized the characterization of Ivan IV, Malyuta Skuratov, and the oprichnina. As a result, they demanded the removal of the prologue (part of which would be reinserted into Part II as flashbacks of Ivan's childhood), more emphasis on Ivan's accomplishments as Tsar, and modification of the presentation of the oprichniki to make them less sinister. The artistic merits of the film were also criticized. Part I was screened for Stalin in December of that year and premiered in Moscow in January 1945. The same year, it was nominated for the Stalin Prize. In spite of the objections of the members of the Stalin Prize committee, the film ultimately received the prize. For their work on Part I, Eisenstein, Cherkasov, Prokofiev, Moskvin, Tisse, and Birman were each awarded a Stalin Prize in 1946.

The second film, Ivan The Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot, was submitted for screening in February 1946. The film received heavy criticism from the Central Committee, who called the picture "anti-historical". Ivan Pyryev compared the depiction of Ivan and the oprichnina to fascists and stated that the portrayal of Ivan was completely unsympathetic. Part II was then banned by the Central Committee on 5 March 1946, about a month after Part I had been awarded the Stalin Prize. In spite of this, Eisenstein insisted on screening Part II for Stalin, who called it a "nightmare". Stalin criticized Eisenstein's Ivan as being "a weak-willed Hamlet", and the oprichnina as being too similar to the Ku Klux Klan. Eisenstein and Cherkasov met with Stalin on 25 February 1947 to discuss modifications to the film in order to lift the ban. After the meeting, despite receiving permission to revise Part II and begin work on Part III, Eisenstein did not work further on the film. A year later, in February 1948, Eisenstein suffered a fatal heart attack while writing an article about the film.

On 6 May 1958, Part II was screened for a group of Soviet historians by Mosfilm, who were asked whether it could be shown to Soviet viewers. The historians widely agreed that Part II could be shown to Soviet viewers, as it "could not discredit art, ideology, or aims", and recommended its release to the Ministry of Culture. Part II was released in the USSR on 1 September 1958. In October, it received its world premiere at the Brussels Exposition.

The film was restored under the direction of Karen Shakhnazarov; it was presented at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. In 2021, it was re-released for theaters in select Russian cities.

Reception

The film has been polarizing amongst viewers. It has been noted for its complexity. Film theorist Leonid Kozlov [ru] in a review of Eisenstein's career called it "the most complex and most masterful" of Eisenstein's films; Neuberger likewise described the film as being far more complex, in both artistic and political terms, than any of his other films. According to Yuri Tsivian, it has been called "the most complex movie ever made".

The first part was received ambivalently by general in the USSR upon release, although it received mostly positive critical reviews. Critic Boris Romashov [ru], writing for Izvestiya, called the first part a "masterpiece of cinematographic art" and praised the acting, cinematography, and set design. Vsevolod Vishnevsky also praised the film in his review for Pravda. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn directly references the film in his 1962 novel One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich; in a scene where two characters argue about the merits of the film, one of the characters claims about Eisenstein: "You can't call him a genius! Call him an ass-kisser who followed orders like a dog." In retrospective, the film was highly praised. Natalya Sokolova wrote for Iskusstvo Kino in 1958 that the film was the greatest work of each of its participants, in spite of the film's flaws; in particular, she praised Cherkasov's acting.

When the first part was first screened in France, the reception was mixed both among audiences, and among critics. Bosley Crowther, writing for The New York Times, called Part I a "work of art" and praised the visuals, camerawork, Prokofiev's score, and Cherkasov's performance, while criticizing the lack of continuity in the film, and the "conspicuously totalitarian" depiction of Ivan IV. In contrast, Crowther harshly criticized Part II, calling it a "pale extension" of Part I. Pauline Kael wrote that Ivan was "lacking in human dimensions...True, every frame in it looks great...but as a movie, it's static, grandiose, and frequently ludicrous." Ivan the Terrible was awarded 4 out of 4 stars by critic Roger Ebert and included on his list of "Great Movies". In his 2012 review, Ebert praised the scope and visuals while criticizing the story, and concluded "It is one of those works that has proceeded directly to the status of Great Movie without going through the intermediate stage of being a good movie...every serious movie lover should see it — once." Ben Maddow wrote similarly that Ivan was "a film quite pure in style, hideous in its magnificence, and superhuman in its characters...Ivan is a great film, in motive and in plan; but it is not a good one." Critic Jean de Baroncelli wrote in 1959 that the film was the "apotheosis of the cinematic genius of Eisenstein". It was included among Harry Medved's list of the worst films of all time, as well as in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. Sight and Sound in 1962 named Ivan the Terrible the 6th greatest film of all time, tying with Battleship Potemkin and Bicycle Thieves; in 1972, Sight and Sound named it the 12th greatest film of all time, tying with The Gold Rush, Hiroshima mon amour, Ikiru, Pierrot le Fou, and Vertigo. Cahiers du Cinéma in 1959 named it the fourth-best film of all time.

Directors Akira Kurosawa, Éric Rohmer, and Slava Tsukerman named Ivan the Terrible as among their favorite films. Charlie Chaplin called the film "the greatest historic film that has ever been made". Michael Chekhov reportedly considered the film excellent from a director's point of view and an artistic point of view, but criticized the quality of the acting. Rowan Williams stated that Ivan the Terrible influenced his interest in Russia and led him to pursue doctoral research about Russian Christianity. Andrei Tarkovsky watched the film "with rapt attention"; it is believed to have influenced his film Andrei Rublev. Among those that disliked the film were Orson Welles and Igor Stravinsky, the latter of which called it "stupid and provincial" and criticized Prokofiev's music.

References

  1. The film premiered either on 16 or 20 January.

Citations

  1. Tobak 1998, p. 133.
  2. ^ Neuberger 2003, p. xi.
  3. ^ Ryabchikova 2021.
  4. Kushnirov 2016, p. 342.
  5. Kushnirov 2016, p. 347.
  6. ^ Perrie 2001, p. 149.
  7. Perrie 2001, p. 1–2.
  8. Rieber 2024, p. 170.
  9. Neuberger 2019, p. 74.
  10. Neuberger 2014, p. 296.
  11. Neuberger 2014, p. 301.
  12. Neuberger 2014, p. 297.
  13. Neuberger 2014, p. 316.
  14. Perrie 2001, pp. 151–152.
  15. Neuberger 2014, p. 318.
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Bibliography

Further reading

  • Eisenstein, Sergei, et al. The Film Sense. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1975. ISBN 978-0-15-630935-6.
  • Eisenstein, Sergei, and Jay Leyda. Film Form. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1949. ISBN 0-15-630920-3.
  • Eisenstein, Sergei, et al. The Eisenstein Reader. London: British Film Institute, 1998. ISBN 0-85170-675-4.
  • Gallez, Douglas W. The Prokofiev-Eisenstein Collaboration: "Nevsky" and "Ivan" Revisited. Cinema Journal, 1978. doi:10.2307/1225488.
  • Nesbet, Anne. Savage Junctures: Sergei Eisenstein and the Shape of Thinking. City: I. B. Tauris, 2003. ISBN 978-1-85043-330-9.
  • Minturn, Neil. The Music of Sergei Prokofiev. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997. ISBN 0-300-06366-0.
  • Thompson, Kristin. Eisenstein's "Ivan the Terrible": A Neoformalist Analysis. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1981. ISBN 0-69110-120-5.

External links

Films directed by Sergei Eisenstein
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