The Russian Department recently hosted a screening of “Leviathan” (2014), a film by director Andrei Zvyagintsev, as part of coursework for RUSS 239: The Warped Soul of Putin’s Russia. The screening brought together students to engage with one of the most internationally recognized Russian films of the 21st century and prompted discussion about corruption, power, faith and the individual’s place within the state.
Professor of Russian Victoria Thorstensson, who organized the screening, said that “‘Leviathan’ was chosen both for its artistic significance and its relevance to contemporary Russian society.”
She described the film as “perhaps the most important and most highly decorated film of the 21st century in Russia” and said that it serves as “a good guide into contemporary Russian society.” According to Thorstensson, the film reveals “many of the problems of Putinism which weren’t as obvious when the film was done, but they became more and more important later.”
Set in a small northern town near Murmansk, “Leviathan” tells the story of Kolya, an ordinary man who loses his ancestral home to a corrupt mayor supported by the courts and the Orthodox Church.
Thorstensson emphasized that while the film is often read politically, its core is personal. “It’s all about a family, a personal situation,” she said, describing it as “about the fate of a little man, of a common man in Russia.”
For many students, the film subverted their expectations. Kaylei Stahl-Winch ’28 said she was surprised by the film’s direction, explaining that she initially expected “a story of how a couple of ordinary people were able to stand up to the corrupt government official.”
“I suppose I’d come into [“Leviathan”] with the unconscious expectation that it would be like an American movie and the hero would win in the end,” said Stahl-Winch, “but having now watched a few Russian movies, I’ve come to realize this is often not the point of the film.”
Several students highlighted moments that revealed character and theme rather than offering resolution. Stahl-Winch pointed to a scene in which Kolya expresses his willingness to forgive his wife after her betrayal, saying it “revealed a lot about Kolya’s character.” She also noted that “the concluding scene, where the priest is talking very hypocritically about things like truth, is also quite interesting.”
Themes of power and corruption were central to many students’ interpretations. Stahl-Winch identified “a lot about power and corruption,” as well as questions of “what is true, and how much the truth even matters against people in power.”
Saul Sharfstein ’29 said the film portrayed “rural Russian corruption and conflict in a very unforgiving and brutal way.” For him, one of the most memorable scenes was when the mayor abducts and threatens Dmitri, demonstrating how power is asserted through violence and humiliation.
Students also reflected on how the film shaped their understanding of Russian society. Erik Broberg ’29 said the film broadened his perspective, particularly regarding rural Russia and the reach of government authority. He explained that he “did not realize that even the mayor of a random town could be rich because of his position as an official,” adding that he previously believed abuse of power was limited to “higher levels of government.”
The film’s cinematography also left a strong impression. Broberg noted that the landscape, while “flat, barren and rocky,” was still portrayed as “beautiful and even nostalgic.” He cited a brief scene of a child sitting beside a whale skeleton as “very powerful, even beautiful.” Sharfstein also praised the “beautiful shots of the rural Russian landscape,” noting that the film offers both visual and cultural exposure.
While many students felt the film offered insights into Russia specifically, opinions differed on how universal its message is. Charlie Rhodes ’27 argued that “Leviathan” illustrates the systems of power that citizens of the Russian Federation must confront, including “a justice system which only acts in favor of the rich and powerful.”
He also highlighted the role of the Orthodox Church, stating that the film shows how it “allows itself to be used by the state as a justification for repression.” Rhodes cautioned against broad generalizations, saying that the problems depicted are “of such a scale and character” that he would hesitate to universalize them.
Thorstensson echoed the idea that the film can be viewed on multiple levels. She explained that one of her goals in teaching “Leviathan” was to encourage students to look beyond overt political messages. In the course, she said, students are trained “to look for details, to interpret little artistic moments that together can actually transform our understanding of politics.” She said that “while political messages are often obvious, more nuance always gets lost.”
Students watched the film as part of their coursework, but many said they would recommend it beyond the classroom. Stahl-Winch described it as “very thought-provoking, and not like any other movie I’ve seen.” Sharfstein said he would recommend it to anyone interested in Russian language, culture or film, while Broberg suggested it for viewers seeking “a thoughtful, conflicted, but depressing time.”
For Thorstensson, the screening was not just about understanding Russia, but about developing interpretive skills that extend beyond the course. She noted that students “frequently make connections between Putin’s Russia and today’s America. [They’ve] made a lot of parallels.” She added “[the movie’s themes] will also be useful for them to take to their lives in general,” and that “these discussions help students think critically about political systems more broadly.”
The screening of “Leviathan” ultimately served as both an educational and reflective experience, offering students the opportunity to engage deeply with a complex film that prompted them to question their perceptions of modern Russia. Through its focus on personal tragedy, institutional power and moral ambiguity, the film prompted reflection not only on Russia but on the ways art can illuminate political and social realities.
