Socialist Realism in Chapayev and The Circus essays

Socialist Realism in Chapayev and The Circus essays A film had to have several key components in order to be considered as upholding the doctrine of Socialist Realism. Films had to be accessible to the masses; simple, clear and understandable. Items such as flashbacks or irony were not used out of fear of the general populous misconstruing an intended concept or ideal. The film also had to include Revolutionary Romanticism, showing the world not necessarily as it was but what it should or will be. This romanticism helped the masses to look forward to the future in envisioning the communist utopia. Also important were the components of realism and plot. The film had to represent people in a socio-historic context and had to depict a reality that audiences could feel familiar with and would recognize. Certain plots became highly desirable especially a coming to consciousness plot. Often a simple hero or heroine, who was dealing with a problem, would be guided by a party representative. This party representative would help the hero or heroine come to understand the rightness of the Soviet system. Chapayev was a model of Social Realism. Its plot was chronologically clear, easy to understand and left no room for misinterpretation of any ideological norms. Chapayev had several components of realism. It was based on an actual historic hero and the story was drawn from the actual writings of Commissar Furmanov. Scenes such as when the troops become tired of fighting and start to yearn for home also express components of realism. Revolutionary Romanticism is shown through Chapayevs conversation with Petka and Anya about the future, where by he tells them how happy they will be once they have the opportunity to get married and settle down together. Finally, Chapayev also upholds the master plot ideal. Chapayev, the peasant, is guided and molded by the educated party representative, Commissar Furmanov. Furmanov helps to shape Chapayev through a ser...