The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone 1998
Directed by the visionary Vladimir Bortko, *The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone (1998)* weaves a haunting tale of ambition, legacy, and the ghosts of the past.
Director: Vladimir Bortko
Cast
Nikolai Karachentsov
Николай Николаевич Худокормов
Tanya Yu
незнакомка
Zinaida Sharko
Зоя Васильевна - мать Николая
Nina Ruslanova
Тома - первая жена Николая
Mariya Shukshina
Лена - вторая жена Николая
Kseniya Kachalina
Алевтина - дочь Николая и Тамары
Tatyana Vasileva
Маргарита Александровна
Sergey Dreyden
Алексей Петрович - муж Тамары
Pyotr Zaychenko
Игорь - бизнесмен
Rudolf Furmanov
Артём - бизнесмен
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone* (1998) about?
The film follows Nikolai Khudokormov, a once-brilliant director now trapped in a life of creative frustration and familial duty. As he chases funding for what may be his final film, he's haunted by a mysterious stranger whose true intentions remain as enigmatic as the film itself.
Who directed *The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone*?
The film was directed by Vladimir Bortko, known for his evocative storytelling and ability to blend drama with fantasy elements.
Who stars in *The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone*?
The cast features Nikolai Karachentsov in the lead role, alongside Tanya Yu, Zinaida Sharko, Nina Ruslanova, Mariya Shukshina, and Kseniya Kachalina, each delivering performances steeped in emotional depth.
Is *The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone* (1998) worth watching?
While not widely rated on IMDb, the film's surreal atmosphere, strong performances, and themes of artistic desperation make it a compelling watch for fans of offbeat drama. Its unique blend of fantasy and realism offers something memorable, even if it's not for all tastes.
How long is *The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone*?
The film runs for 114 minutes, offering a tight but immersive viewing experience.
About The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone (1998) — A surreal drama of art, obsession, and the ghosts we cannot escape
Directed by the visionary Vladimir Bortko, *The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone (1998)* weaves a haunting tale of ambition, legacy, and the ghosts of the past. At its heart is Nikolai Khudokormov, a celebrated filmmaker on the cusp of fifty, grappling with artistic stagnation and familial burdens. Haunted by his domineering mother and haunted by his own fading relevance, Nikolai becomes fixated on crafting a masterpiece—one that will redeem his career and silence his critics. But his relentless pursuit of funding leads him into the orbit of a mysterious woman, whose presence blurs the line between reality and delusion, casting a surreal shadow over his desperate quest.
Set against a backdrop of fading circus lights and crumbling dreams, this drama-fantasy hybrid explores themes of obsession, aging, and the price of artistic immortality. With a stellar cast led by Nikolai Karachentsov at its emotional core, the film blends melancholy with moments of dark humor, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. Bortko's direction infuses each scene with a dreamlike quality, making *The Circus Burned Down, and the Clowns Have Gone* a visually and emotionally arresting experience.
