This film is gripping, and each song intricately brings in new details surrounding Russian culture in the period. Even in the credits at the beginning of the film, the usage of old Russian art pieces as background drew me in. Hearing the actors sing in Russian added an element that is often missing from the English translation. With the original language used, the opera has more of an impact on viewers.
Focusing on the film itself, it is evident that love is the driving force behind the actions of Grigory, Lyubasha, and even Lykov, Bomelius, and Marfa. The scene where Marfa goes insane after finding out Lykov is dead was so impactful and highlighted how love influenced her more than she knew. The artistry in the singing of the actress conveyed such emotion that it was apparent to see how Grigory’s potion did not work. His distress earlier at discovering the potion was poisonous also highlights his deep love for Marfa. It was interesting how Grigory used words like “martyr” when discussing the women in his life. This language almost seems to give the women in the movie more autonomy than they had in the period. Women like Lyubasha seem to highlight a woman who knew what she wanted and how she needed to get it, but also a woman trapped in the time, as seen in her agreement with Bomelius (in exchange for the poison, she would try to love him).
The opera as a whole seems somewhat Shakespearean, what with mistresses trying to poison another lover, dramatic murders, and royalty (Tzar Ivan). However, Russian influence gives the opera a style different than western European operas, which is very interesting to watch.