The long-awaited film based on the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov, “The Master and Margarita” from director Mikhail Lokshin, has begun to be shown at the Russian box office.
The film adaptation topped the list of premieres and beat the ratings. The first viewers praised the film, but there were also those who considered the film a “humiliation of the original.”
We have already watched the new product and are eager to share our impressions. How did it turn out? Let’s figure it out.
The film reimagines the original book
What is the movie about: Moscow, 1930s. A famous writer at the height of his career suddenly finds himself at the center of a literary scandal. The performance of his play is removed from the repertoire, his colleagues demonstratively avoid meeting him, and in a matter of days he turns into an outcast. Soon after this, he meets Margarita, who becomes his lover and muse.
Inspired by her love and support, the writer takes on a new novel in which the characters are people from his environment, and the main character is the mysterious Woland, whose prototype is a recent foreign acquaintance. The writer immerses himself in the world of his novel and gradually ceases to notice how fiction and reality are intertwined into one whole.
I’ll say right away that you shouldn’t expect a page-by-page copy of a book from a painting. Here the plot is rethought and differs from the history that is taught in schools.
And this is precisely where the strength of the new film adaptation lies. It cannot be called secondary. There have been quite a lot of films based on the novel over the years, so the authors had to take a different path in order to differ from other film adaptations.
One way or another, it’s impossible to do without comparisons with the book.
The film places great emphasis on the Master and Woland. And although it lasts a little less than 3 hours, it was not possible to fit in all the events of the novel. However, all important plot points have been transferred and adapted for the modern viewer. Moreover, in 2024 this plot is perceived especially acutebecause it talks about the duplicity of the authorities and terrible censorship, which drives the writer crazy.
Compared to other film adaptations, including the famous TV series, the new product looks more like fan fiction based on it. No, they adhere to the original plot, but often deviate from the well-known narrative.
The film is kept in gloomy tones and hardly even gives a hint of a ray of hope. General condemnation, the heavy burden of the author of the play “Pontius Pilate” (yes, now it’s a play) and many other negative factors put pressure on the viewer throughout the entire running time.
“The Master and Margarita” 2024 is straight forward story with a completed ending. But it is full of liberties and deviations from the original idea, which is why many fans of Bulgakov’s work may not like it. On the other hand, this solution allows even those who know the novel to watch the film to watch it by heart.
Particularly interesting was Woland, played by August Diehl, known for many Hollywood films, including Inglourious Basterds. He was able to convey the entire emotional spectrum of the mysterious character and create a mystery around him with his gestures and facial expressions.
In general, Diehl’s character receives the lion’s share of the narrative here. And the original title of the film – “Woland” – would have suited him much more.
No less interesting is the love story between the Master and Margarita, which is given special emphasis. It’s interesting to follow the development of the lovers’ relationship, and this is almost the only love line in recent years that doesn’t make you sick. It is staged perfectly and organically woven into the plot.
But, again, due to the attempt of the film’s authors to “reinvent” the original book, many viewers will leave the theater disappointed.
The atmosphere is conveyed perfectly, you are imbued with it from the first minutes
I want to express special respect to the directors. They were able to do something incredible, you are immersed in the madness of the writer from the first minutes and empathize with all the characters until the end. You can literally feel the pain and feel all the “obscurantism” of Woland’s retinue.
This is a beautiful movie where it is given great attention to detail. Even the opening scene immediately captivates you. And the finale with Yulia Snigir in the role of Margarita can give you goosebumps.
The actors naturally got used to their roles and perfectly conveyed the emotions of the characters. There are many spectacular and impressive scenes here, albeit in a free interpretation. Some of them create real drive. The local universe is thought out to the smallest detail. It is clear that they worked meticulously on the painting.
Of course, the topic of religion is also constantly raised here. But at the same time no one doesn’t impose, for which special respect. But don’t expect philosophical discussions like in the original. This is, first and foremost, an entertaining movie. And it does its job well, while simultaneously raising themes of love, death and life.
Definitely worth a watch, even if you’re a fan of the book.
Of course, The Master and Margarita of 2024 has its own plot. But this is what catches you, allowing you to look at the original story from a different perspective.
No one can surpass the classic who wrote the novel for 20 years. However, the new film adaptation creates genuine interest. And thanks to the high-quality production, 2.5-3 hours fly by unnoticed.
You definitely won’t be left indifferent after watching it. People will definitely be divided into two camps: fans and haters. And it’s good that such a movie evokes true emotions.
