Andrei Tarkovsky

Date of Birth: April 4, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 29, 1986

Biography

Andrei Tarkovsky was a seminal Soviet and Russian filmmaker, director, and screenwriter, known for his profound and poetic films that delve into the human experience and spiritual quests. Born on April 4, 1932, in Zavrazhye, Russia, Tarkovsky’s work is celebrated for its distinctive cinematic style, which includes long takes, spiritual and metaphysical themes, and a strong emphasis on visual composition and narrative depth. Tarkovsky studied film at the prestigious Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) in Moscow. His early work, including his graduation film “The Steamroller and the Violin” (1961), already showcased his unique voice and vision. He gained international acclaim with his feature films “Ivan’s Childhood” (1962) and “Andrei Rublev” (1966), the latter of which faced censorship issues in the Soviet Union but was later recognized as a masterpiece. Throughout his career, Tarkovsky directed several landmark films, including “Solaris” (1972), “Mirror” (1975), “Stalker” (1979), “Nostalgia” (1983), and his final work, “The Sacrifice” (1986). His films often explore themes of memory, time, and existentialism, making them both intellectually challenging and emotionally resonant. Tarkovsky’s influence on cinema is immeasurable, and his work continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences around the world. He died on December 29, 1986, in Paris, France, leaving behind a legacy of profound cinematic achievements.

5 Interesting Facts about Andrei Tarkovsky

1. Andrei Tarkovsky’s film “Andrei Rublev” was banned in the Soviet Union for several years due to its religious and artistic content.

2. Tarkovsky’s father, Arseny Tarkovsky, was a renowned Russian poet, whose works and influence can be felt in Tarkovsky’s films.

3. Tarkovsky was known for his meticulous and demanding approach to filmmaking, often requiring actors and crew to endure harsh conditions to achieve his artistic vision.

4. His film “Stalker” was shot in an industrial area with hazardous conditions, leading to speculation that it contributed to the health issues and untimely deaths of several crew members, including Tarkovsky himself.

5. Tarkovsky’s use of long takes and minimal cuts in his films has been highly influential in the world of cinema, inspiring directors such as Terrence Malick and Lars von Trier.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Andrei Tarkovsky

1. “The aim of art is to prepare a person for death, to plough and harrow his soul, rendering it capable of turning to good.”

2. “The artist exists because the world is not perfect.”

3. “Art affirms all that is best in man—hope, faith, love, beauty, prayer.”

4. “I am only interested in the views of two people: one is called Bresson and one called Bergman.”

5. “Modern mass culture, aimed at the ‘consumer’, the civilization of prosthetics, is crippling people’s souls, setting up barriers between man and the crucial questions of his existence, his consciousness of himself as a spiritual being.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Andrei Tarkovsky’s highest net worth is difficult to determine due to the lack of comprehensive financial records and the different economic context of the Soviet Union. However, he was highly respected and regarded as a significant cultural figure, which would be akin to considerable wealth in terms of influence and legacy.

Children

Andrei Tarkovsky had one son, Andrei Tarkovsky Jr., born in 1970, from his second marriage to Larisa Kizilova. Tarkovsky Jr. has been involved in preserving his father’s legacy and works.