For many years, in the former USSR, filmmaker Sergey Bondarchuk was considered a Holy Cow, an untouchable top, a true authority, so no one, but no one could ever even think of criticizing his work. He was supported by the highest Soviet Powers, given tons of money, and yes, he made two absolute masterpieces - epic war dramas War and Peace, and Waterloo.
By 1986, he was old, ramshackle and out of step with modern cinema of the time. He felt lost and helpless. Yet, he did try his last movie - Boris Godunov, based on famous Pushkin's poetic tragedy. The story is awesome - the Polish invasion in Russia, Troublous Times, difficult period of Russian history, palace intrigues and coups, fight for a throne and bloody revenge. The Tzar Boris is in the midst of this and he is lost for action.
Yes, the costumes were great, much money spent of nature scenery, great music, excellent Soviet actors - and oops, all failed.
Sergey seemed to be totally lost, his montage is so naïve, childish and amateurish, one has to scratch their heads in disbelief. Several actors overplay so badly, especially one playing false Dmitry Prince, that one can only giggle. The whole tempo is stale, slow, vapid and out of steam.
The dialog od great Russian poet seems here trite and blown out of proportion.
Here is a very vivid example of a livid downplay and waste of time and end of a talent.
