Elegy (1986)
Aleksandr Sokurov's meditative short documentary on the ceremonial reburial of legendary Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin.
Elegy - Movie Information
- Original Title: Элегия
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: Aleksandr Sokurov
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 30m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 31, 1986 (Russia), February 21, 1988 (Germany)
- Production Countries: Soviet Union
Elegy - Plot
The reburial of great Russian singer Feodor Chaliapin from Les Batignolles cemetery in Paris to Novo–Devitchye cemetery in Moscow. The daughters from Chaliapin's second marriage travel to the Soviet Union for the ceremony.
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Elegy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Aleksandr Sokurov
Main Cast
- Feodor Chaliapin Sr.
Elegy - FAQs
What is Elegy (1986) about?
Elegy follows the solemn reburial of legendary Russian bass Feodor Chaliapin, whose remains were transferred from the Les Batignolles cemetery in Paris to Novo-Devitchye cemetery in Moscow. The film also documents the journey of Chaliapin's daughters from his second marriage as they travel to the Soviet Union for the ceremony.
Who directed the 1986 documentary Elegy?
Elegy was directed by Aleksandr Sokurov, one of the most distinctive voices in Soviet and Russian cinema. Known for his meditative, visually poetic style, Sokurov made Elegy early in his career, and the film already reflects the contemplative approach that would define his later masterworks.
Who is Feodor Chaliapin and why does he matter?
Feodor Chaliapin was one of the greatest operatic bass singers of the early 20th century, celebrated for his powerful voice and dramatic stage presence. He left Russia after the Revolution and died in Paris in 1938. His reburial in Moscow in 1984 was a deeply symbolic cultural event for the Soviet Union.
When was Elegy released?
Elegy was first released on December 31, 1986, in Russia. It later received a release in Germany on February 21, 1988, bringing Sokurov's intimate documentary portrait to international audiences.
How long is the documentary Elegy?
Elegy runs for approximately 30 minutes, making it a short documentary. Despite its brief runtime, the film carries considerable emotional and cultural weight, using Sokurov's signature restrained visual language to honor the memory of Feodor Chaliapin.
What language is Elegy filmed in?
Elegy is a Russian-language film, produced in the Soviet Union. As a documentary rooted in Soviet cultural history, the film's Russian-language context is central to its subject matter — the ceremonial return of a national artistic icon to his homeland.
Is Elegy an early Sokurov film?
Yes, Elegy is one of Sokurov's early documentary works. Released in 1986, it predates his internationally acclaimed features such as Mother and Son (1997) and Russian Ark (2002). Even at this stage, the film showcases his characteristic sensitivity to history, memory, and the passage of time.
Where can I watch Elegy (1986)?
Streaming availability for Elegy varies by region. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options — including any rental, purchase, or subscription platforms currently carrying the film — on JustWatch, which tracks real-time availability across major streaming services in your area.
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