OF FREAKS AND MEN

 

director

Alexey Balabanov

cast

Sergey Makovetskiy, Viktor Suhorukov

producers

Sergey Selyanov, Oleg Botogov 

production

Criminal drama, 84 min, СTB Film Company, Russia, 1998

оriginal title PRO URODOV I LUDEY language Russian

 

synopsis

 

St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 20th century. The handsome and secretive Johann specializes in the fabrication of erotic photographs depicting the floggings of bare-bottomed women. Johann, his assistants and his photographic creations gradually penetrate the peaceful households of two upper class Russian families. The film is a haunting melodrama of hidden passions and sadomasochistic urges, a bizarre tale in which manipulation and revenge rule amidst the charm, innocence and perversion of days gone by.

 

festivals & awards

25 festival selections, 10 awards