The Illusion of Love: A Commentary on the Russian Film “About Love”
The Russian film “About Love” presents the story of Nina, a young female university student who marries her professor. However, their married life is far from ideal, plagued by financial difficulties and a lack of emotional connection. The husband is captivated by Nina’s beauty but resents her inability to contribute financially. Nina strives to be a good wife, but finds no joy in the marriage.
A chance part-time job introduces Nina to a banker who makes a direct proposition for a date. Nina initially refuses, but returns home to her husband’s accusations for not leveraging the opportunity to resolve their loan issues. Desperate, Nina reapproaches the banker, agrees to the date, and secures the loan.
A Life Transformed, but at What Cost?
Nina’s life takes a dramatic turn. Disillusioned with her husband and marriage, she finds herself falling for the banker during their regular rendezvous. She confesses her infidelity to her husband, who promptly throws her out. She calls the banker, who quickly sets her up in a nice apartment.
Soon after, Nina has a child with the banker. The banker’s wife concedes, and he moves in with Nina. However, even with a child, Nina’s life remains one of waiting. She demands to work, and the banker helps her become a businesswoman.
The Unrequited Love
The banker provides for Nina’s needs but doesn’t truly love her. Nina, on the other hand, is deeply infatuated, finding contentment in fleeting glimpses of him. Her devotion, however, fails to win his heart.
Where is the Love?
Despite its title, “About Love,” the film seems devoid of genuine affection, as none of the characters find happiness. The banker, for instance, is emotionally conflicted, seemingly designed to be perpetually indecisive. He rarely smiles and displays little emotion. It’s difficult to discern who, if anyone, he loves or cares about, making him an unsatisfying partner for any woman.
The banker’s infidelity and subsequent tenderness towards his wife highlight the contradictions in his character. Perhaps men often fail to appreciate what they have until it’s gone, always yearning for something distant.
Nina, too, is unhappy in her first marriage. Her husband provides for her basic needs and desires her physically, but his actions lack genuine love.
Her love for the banker is characterized by longing and endless waiting. She is aware that, despite his material generosity, he doesn’t truly love her. Fortunately, Nina eventually realizes that she belongs only to herself and that she is the master of her own destiny.