The Battleship Potempkin

It's been a long time since I last blog..
However, the sweet vacation is over!

We watched The Battleship Potemkin as part of Andy's class, but I've seen some sequences from it in high school and as part of another course another course. Even my grandmother remembers it. She also remembers how it was banned for it's propaganda against Tsarism, which was quite uncomfortable for the remaining monarchy in Eastern Europe.
The famous Odessa Steps sequence is the most famous one. Actually it didn't happen in reality, but Eisenstein presumably created it for a greater dramatic effect. On a bigger scale, the editing has a huge effect on the viewer's perception of justice and fight for the right cause. Moreover, the scene is full of symbols that reinforce sympathy in the Russians towards the attacked civilians. The lion destroyed in front of the Opera House by the Tsar's soldiers symbolizes an attempt to also smash the strong fighting spirit and the pride of the nation. Another graphic shot that I remember was the one with the second dying mother holding her belt with a swam on it. The close up probably lasted for 5 seconds, but I've seen this swam many times and I think it's important so Eisenstein used it on purpose.
To sum up, The Battleship Potemkin is quite impressive in terms of it's fast editing pace, great cinematography, impact and conveying clear and simple ideas.