Andrei Tarkovsky

A Life on the Cross

By: Lyudmila Boyadzhieva, Christopher Culver

Narrated by: Sherry L. Neiman

Andrei Tarkovsky: A Life on the Cross by Lyudmila Boyadzhieva is an intimate portrayal of the renowned Soviet filmmaker’s life, struggles, and artistic legacy.

This biography delves into Tarkovsky’s complex character, his ideological battles, and the price he paid for his genius.

Lyudmila Boyadzhieva’s Andrei Tarkovsky: A Life on the Cross offers a compelling and insightful look into the life of one of cinema’s most revered directors. Tarkovsky, best known for films like Andrei Rublev and Stalker, faced constant tension with Soviet authorities, who saw him as an outsider despite his law-abiding, moderate demeanor.

Through Boyadzhieva’s sensitive portrayal, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Tarkovsky’s internal and external battles, his dedication to his craft, and the personal sacrifices that came with his towering talent. This biography is essential for film enthusiasts and those interested in the complex relationship between art and ideology.

©2024 Glagoslav Publications B.V. (N) (P)2024 Glagoslav Publications B.V. (N)

Tarkovsky: Genius and/or Brat

Sometimes there’s volume changes and clicks left in by the performer. She makes Tarkovsky sound like a teenage boy as he talks about his ideals for cinema. Overall this could’ve been recorded better. But the way she recites the poems in the book make up for it tremendously in my opinion. They contribute vastly to understanding the artist and the dialogue surrounding him. You get the intelligence of this Maestro and also how much of simpleton in the regular world. Was he Autistic? Perhaps. Trapped by the Soviet system but being unable to renounce it. Trapped by Larissa but also incapable of being by himself. He put, like many artists, the best of himself in their art, and terrified friends and family in real life. His calling was for the spiritual growth of mankind, but he often fell short of his ideals. He comes straight out of a Dostoevsky novel it seems. I am thankful for his contribution to cinema. Thanks as well to the author and performer for illuminating a real auteur.