Arquivo

This is the second documentary focusing on the person of Boris Yeltsin (the first having been Soviet Elegy, of 1990). Sokúrov introduces a conversation between the then Russian president and members of his family, where the feelings of insecurity of the great statesman are eventually laid bare - his vulnerability and anguish - bringing his human side to surface. “This film must be viewed as an edifying example for the spectators or for my director colleagues. It is not my intent to teach them to see, to speak, to think or, in what way they should present something. In the title, by ‚Äòan example‚Äô I mean an experience, an attempt, in the sense of running risks”, says Sokúrov. “I can not disguise my liking for the protagonist. Now, if you can see the man behind the President of Russia, that will be sufficient for me.”