The Living Corpse 1969
In *The Living Corpse (1969)*, director Vladimir Vengerov crafts a haunting exploration of moral paralysis and existential dread.
Director: Vladimir Vengerov
Cast
Aleksey Batalov
Fyodor Protasov (Fedya)
Alla Demidova
Liza
Oleg Basilashvili
Viktor Karenin
Lidiya Shtykan
Anna Pavlovna
Elena Chyornaya
Sasha
Sofiya Pilyavskaya
Anna Dmitrievna Karenina
Evgeniy Kuznetsov
Prince Abrezkov
Svetlana Toma
Masha the gypsy
Vsevolod Kuznetsov
Afremov
Pantelejmon Krymov
officer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Living Corpse* (1969) about?
The film centers on Fyodor Protasov, a disillusioned nobleman who stages his own death to avoid confronting the hypocrisy and corruption surrounding him. His retreat into the shadows becomes a metaphor for the struggle between integrity and cowardice in a decaying society.
Who directed *The Living Corpse*?
Vladimir Vengerov directed *The Living Corpse*. Known for his atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth, Vengerov brings a stark, introspective style to this Soviet-era drama.
Who stars in *The Living Corpse*?
The film features Aleksey Batalov in the lead role, supported by Alla Demidova, Oleg Basilashvili, Lidiya Shtykan, and Sofiya Pilyavskaya.
Is *The Living Corpse* (1969) worth watching?
While it lacks a rating, *The Living Corpse* offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and societal decay. Fans of slow-burn dramas and philosophical cinema will appreciate its depth, though its deliberate pacing may not appeal to all viewers.
How long is *The Living Corpse*?
The film runs for 134 minutes.
The Living Corpse (1969): A Haunting Escape from Moral Decay — Full Movie Info
In *The Living Corpse (1969)*, director Vladimir Vengerov crafts a haunting exploration of moral paralysis and existential dread. The film follows Fyodor Protasov, a disillusioned aristocrat who, unable to reconcile himself with the corruption and hypocrisy of his surroundings, simulates his own death as a desperate retreat from reality. Starring the legendary Aleksey Batalov as the tormented protagonist, alongside Alla Demidova and Oleg Basilashvili in supporting roles, the drama unfolds with quiet intensity against the backdrop of early 20th-century Russia. Vengerov's atmospheric direction amplifies themes of isolation, cowardice, and the futility of escape, creating a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The stark contrast between Protasov's inner turmoil and the external filth of society drives the narrative, making *The Living Corpse* a compelling study of human frailty.
As Protasov's self-imposed exile deepens, the film questions whether his choice to disappear is an act of courage or surrender. The supporting cast, including Lidiya Shtykan and Sofiya Pilyavskaya, adds depth to the world around him, grounding the story in emotional realism. With its slow-burn pacing and philosophical weight, *The Living Corpse* invites viewers to reflect on the nature of truth and the cost of disengagement. A masterclass in psychological drama, it remains a standout in Soviet-era cinema for its unflinching portrayal of a man trapped between his principles and his fears.
