Moscow on the Hudson (1984)
Moscow on the Hudson (1984)
I have some interesting thoughts about Paul Mazursky’s 1984 film, Moscow on the Hudson. It is a character study that is way ahead of its time. It’s a patriotic film but with a liberal mind, and you did not see many of those kind of films in the 1970’s or 1980’s. Mazursky filled his film with characters that have different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. That makes sense considering New York City is the country’s melting pot. The city where all cultures can be themselves. This is a sweet, fish-out-of-the-water film that ultimately loses steam as we approach the finish line. I can forgive that because the majority of the film is strong and entertaining.
A lot of effort was put into making the film realistic as possible. I definitely appreciate all the realism Mazursky and star Robin Williams brought to the film. The director’s grandfather actually emigrated from Ukraine 80 years prior so there was some family history involved. He also spent a year living with Russian immigrants in the United States and in Moscow. Robin Williams learned Russian and how to play a saxophone-and he did both very well. The first half of the film is the strongest, in my opinion, because it captured how bleak living in the Soviet Union was. There were long lines for basic supplies, crowded apartment houses, items like jazz records that had to be purchased on the black market, etc. Instead of everyone somehow speaking English, Russian was spoken and that gave the film an authentic flavor.
Vladimir Ivanoff (Robin Williams) is a Russian saxophonist who is part of a Moscow-based circus. Despite how his country operates, he generally enjoys his life. His good friend, also part of the circus, wants to defect. Vladimir’s superior wants him to keep tabs on his buddy. As the troupe plays in NYC, Vladimir realizes he wants to defect, so he turns himself in to a Bloomingdale’s security guard to do so. Right away, he befriends the guard, Lionel Witherspoon (Cleavant Derricks) and an Italian makeup person, Lucia Lombardo (Maria Conchita Alonso). With his newfound freedom, Vladimir can learn the true meaning of freedom while trying to avoid any KGB agents that could be after him.
This is one of Robin William’s earlier film roles. He is known for his comedy, but he does try to dip his toe in drama. I thought he delivered a fine performance, although I would not call it his best. It’s definitely a heartfelt, genuine performance. He is backed up pretty well by the supporting cast. This is actually Alonso’s first film role and she did a solid job.
Moscow on the Hudson is good, but not great movie. It receives high marks on authenticity and Robin William’s touching performance. The screenplay does run out of steam towards the end. There were moments that I was less engaged and dare I say bored. Still, I love that scene where Robin Williams works at McDonald’s and a hot dog vendor. Living the American dream! If you want to see an early Robin Williams film, then this may be for you. Not my favorite, but still a decent film.
My Grade: B-
I have some interesting thoughts about Paul Mazursky’s 1984 film, Moscow on the Hudson. It is a character study that is way ahead of its time. It’s a patriotic film but with a liberal mind, and you did not see many of those kind of films in the 1970’s or 1980’s. Mazursky filled his film with characters that have different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. That makes sense considering New York City is the country’s melting pot. The city where all cultures can be themselves. This is a sweet, fish-out-of-the-water film that ultimately loses steam as we approach the finish line. I can forgive that because the majority of the film is strong and entertaining.
A lot of effort was put into making the film realistic as possible. I definitely appreciate all the realism Mazursky and star Robin Williams brought to the film. The director’s grandfather actually emigrated from Ukraine 80 years prior so there was some family history involved. He also spent a year living with Russian immigrants in the United States and in Moscow. Robin Williams learned Russian and how to play a saxophone-and he did both very well. The first half of the film is the strongest, in my opinion, because it captured how bleak living in the Soviet Union was. There were long lines for basic supplies, crowded apartment houses, items like jazz records that had to be purchased on the black market, etc. Instead of everyone somehow speaking English, Russian was spoken and that gave the film an authentic flavor.
Vladimir Ivanoff (Robin Williams) is a Russian saxophonist who is part of a Moscow-based circus. Despite how his country operates, he generally enjoys his life. His good friend, also part of the circus, wants to defect. Vladimir’s superior wants him to keep tabs on his buddy. As the troupe plays in NYC, Vladimir realizes he wants to defect, so he turns himself in to a Bloomingdale’s security guard to do so. Right away, he befriends the guard, Lionel Witherspoon (Cleavant Derricks) and an Italian makeup person, Lucia Lombardo (Maria Conchita Alonso). With his newfound freedom, Vladimir can learn the true meaning of freedom while trying to avoid any KGB agents that could be after him.
This is one of Robin William’s earlier film roles. He is known for his comedy, but he does try to dip his toe in drama. I thought he delivered a fine performance, although I would not call it his best. It’s definitely a heartfelt, genuine performance. He is backed up pretty well by the supporting cast. This is actually Alonso’s first film role and she did a solid job.
Moscow on the Hudson is good, but not great movie. It receives high marks on authenticity and Robin William’s touching performance. The screenplay does run out of steam towards the end. There were moments that I was less engaged and dare I say bored. Still, I love that scene where Robin Williams works at McDonald’s and a hot dog vendor. Living the American dream! If you want to see an early Robin Williams film, then this may be for you. Not my favorite, but still a decent film.
My Grade: B-
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