A Simple Case Poster

A Simple Case 1930

★ 5.111 votes75 min📅 1930-12-31

In 1930, Soviet director Vsevolod Pudovkin faced creative turmoil with *A Simple Case*, a film that defied expectations and challenged audiences right from its inception.

Director: Vsevolod Pudovkin

Cast

Aleksandr Baturin
Langovoy
Yevgeniya Rogulina
Yevgeniya Rogulina
Mashenka
Mariya Belousova
Girl
Andrei Gorchilin
Worker
Anna Chekulaeva
Worker's wife
Ivan Novoseltsev
Ivan Novoseltsev
Vasya
Aleksandr Chistyakov
Aleksandr Chistyakov
Uncle Sasha
V. Kuzmich
Zhyoltikov
Afanasiy Byelov
Grisha
Vladimir Uralskiy
Vladimir Uralskiy
Wounded soldier

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Simple Case (1930) about?

*A Simple Case* follows a story that seems simple on the surface but unfolds in ways that challenge and surprise. Rather than a linear narrative, the film presents a series of vignettes that explore personal relationships against the backdrop of a changing society. Its abstract approach left many viewers baffled, turning what was meant to be a straightforward project into a divisive work.

Who directed A Simple Case?

The film was directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin, a pioneering Soviet filmmaker known for his innovative use of montage and deep connection to the social and political themes of his time.

Who stars in A Simple Case?

The film features a talented ensemble cast led by Aleksandr Baturin, Yevgeniya Rogulina, Mariya Belousova, Andrei Gorchilin, and Anna Chekulaeva.

Is A Simple Case (1930) worth watching?

While *A Simple Case* won't suit every taste due to its experimental style and lack of a conventional plot, it offers a fascinating glimpse into early sound-era cinema and the creative struggles of Soviet filmmakers. Its historical significance and Pudovkin's reputation make it a compelling watch for fans of classic and avant-garde cinema.

How long is A Simple Case?

The runtime for *A Simple Case (1930)* is approximately 75 minutes.

About A Simple Case (1930) — How Soviet Cinema Took an Unexpected Turn

In 1930, Soviet director Vsevolod Pudovkin faced creative turmoil with *A Simple Case*, a film that defied expectations and challenged audiences right from its inception. Originally intended as his first sound feature, technical hurdles forced a silent production, leaving viewers disoriented by its unconventional storytelling. The film's fragmented narrative and experimental style clashed with the shifting ideological winds of the USSR, where even artistic ambition could be interpreted as bourgeois indulgence. Despite its title, *A Simple Case* is anything but straightforward, blending romance and drama with the raw, unfiltered energy of early cinema.

Pudovkin's bold vision shines through the performances of Aleksandr Baturin and Yevgeniya Rogulina, whose characters navigate personal and societal pressures in a way that feels both intimate and universal. The film's mood oscillates between melancholic introspection and tense realism, mirroring the turbulent era in which it was made. *A Simple Case (1930)* remains a fascinating footnote in film history, a testament to the risks and rewards of artistic integrity.