Mirror

"Mirror" is a 1975 Soviet biographical drama film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, based on his own childhood memoirs and a book by Andrei Biriukov, 'Andrei Rubliov'. The narrative employs an unconventional, non-linear structure as it shifts between past and present, combining elements of fantasy and reality. The film is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the director's own life experiences, weaving them together with pivotal moments in Soviet history. The film centers around the director's alter ego, Alexander, a man on his deathbed in his early forties. As Alexander lies in his dying moment, flashes of memories from his childhood begin to unfold, recalling his mother, his brother, and the family's relationships with one another. These fragments gradually blend into scenes from his mother's childhood, showcasing the family's resilience during a time of great turmoil. We see glimpses of his mother's own memories, specifically the years of World War I and the subsequent Russian Revolution, when she was a young girl watching her family struggle to cope with the devastating losses. These scenes demonstrate the way war can disrupt and distort one's perception of normal life, as if time itself is becoming increasingly unstable. As Alexander's life slips away, and the film's timeline becomes increasingly blurred, we witness pivotal moments in Soviet history alongside scenes of everyday life. An especially moving sequence portrays a young boy, Alexander, observing the execution of the Tsar and his family in the summer of 1918, which had a profound effect on his perspective on the world and its workings. Alexander's recollections continue to oscillate between past and present, weaving a complex tapestry of memories. The lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur as the filmmaker blurs the boundaries of time and space. A striking sequence depicts Alexander walking through a frozen landscape, where the camera pans across a desolate, post-apocalyptic backdrop, juxtaposing the devastation of war with the serene, idyllic world of childhood. Tarkovsky employs his signature visual style throughout, blending breathtaking vistas with intimate, detailed shots. The cinematography masterfully captures the fleeting moments of beauty in the world as Alexander's life slips away. His father appears on screen as a shadowy figure, often lost in a distant past or consumed by his own personal demons, adding to the sense of disconnection that pervades the family's relationships. As Alexander draws closer to the end, the film shifts gears, and we see glimpses of his son Ivan and grandson as adults, hinting at the continuity of a tradition that has been passed down through the generations. This adds a sense of timelessness to the narrative, underscoring the idea that the experiences and struggles of previous generations shape the lives of those who come after. Through the narrative of "Mirror", Andrei Tarkovsky masterfully intertwines the personal and the historical, creating a powerful, non-linear biography that transcends the confines of time and space. The film offers a poignant reflection on the way in which personal experiences can inform our perspective on the passage of time, and how the struggles of our ancestors can shape our own understanding of the world. "Mirror" stands as a testament to the director's profound exploration of the human experience, leaving behind an enduring cinematic legacy that continues to captivate audiences to this day.