The Asthenic Syndrome

Kira Muratova

IFFR 1991

  • 153'
  • USSR
  • 1989
This has been called ‘a magnificent fresco’, an ‘apocalypse’ (Silver Bear, Berlin 1990). But it proved to be a diagnosis of an era.
Muratova captured the state of Russia and Eastern Europe in images that are typical of an era on the eve of revolution, full of aggression and apathy. The Asthenic Syndrome is constructed like The Well-Tempered Clavier, full of polyphonous elements.
The first part is in black-and-white and is a film within a film, nervously shot like Muratova’s first films. The second part is in colour and tells the story of the life of an insignificant author and literature teacher who suffocates in the dull routine of his mindless environment.
Muratova’s realism is full of contrasts, irony and rage and shows every character from different sides. She presents a complete picture of personal syndromes and collective apathy, meanwhile stunning the viewer with shock therapy and destroying every illusion.

Kira Muratova

IFFR 1991

  • 153'
  • USSR
  • 1989
Director
Kira Muratova
Country of production
USSR
Year
1989
Festival Edition
IFFR 1991
Length
153'
Medium
35mm
Original title
Astenicheskiy sindrom
Language
Russian
Producer
Micha Lampert
Production Companies
Goskino, Odessa Film Studio
Screenplay
Kira Muratova
Sound Design
Elena Demidova
Local Distributor
Cinemien
Director
Kira Muratova
Country of production
USSR
Year
1989
Festival Edition
IFFR 1991
Length
153'
Medium
35mm
Original title
Astenicheskiy sindrom
Language
Russian
Producer
Micha Lampert
Production Companies
Goskino, Odessa Film Studio
Screenplay
Kira Muratova
Sound Design
Elena Demidova
Local Distributor
Cinemien