Freedom by Tarkovsky

Authors

• Mia Öhman

Keywords:

Andrei Tarkovski, elokuvanteko, taiteellinen vapaus

Abstract

After his film Nostalghia (1983), director Andrei Tarkovsky (1932–1986) stayed in the West. This leap to freedom is often considered as the only solution, after suffering under control of the Soviet totalitarian system. In reality, his case proves to be more complicated and less black and white. In the USSR, Tarkovsky fought for respect, but was allowed to work. Western freedom he felt differently when living in the West, comparing to earlier short festival visits from behind the iron curtain. In my article, I try to comprehend the reasons and consequences of Tarkovsky´s emigration, as well as his own views about freedom and responsibility of an artist.