The New Babylon (1929) Director: Grigori Kozintsev & Leonid Trauberg Studio: Sovkino (Soviet Union) Starring: Leonid Leonidov (Jacques Destralles), Serafima Birman (Marie), Boris Zhukovsky (Henri), Lyudmila Semyonova (Louise) Release Date: 1929 Runtime: 94 minutes Format: Black & White | Silent (with orchestral score) | Historical Drama | Epic Country: Soviet Union Language: Silent (intertitles in Russian; later versions with subtitles) Genres: Silent Drama | Historical Epic | Political | Avant-Garde --- Summary: Set against the backdrop of the Paris Commune of 1871, The New Babylon chronicles the love story of Marie, a shop assistant, and Jacques, a revolutionary soldier, whose romance unfolds amidst political upheaval. As bourgeois forces clash with working-class revolutionaries, the couple’s relationship is tested by loyalty, ideology, and violence. Kozintsev and Trauberg use montage, dynamic camera work, and innovative editing to depict both intimate personal moments and large-scale revolutionary chaos, creating a visually striking, emotionally charged epic. --- Background: Produced by Sovkino during the height of Soviet avant-garde filmmaking, The New Babylon is notable for its experimental montage techniques and political commentary. Directors Grigori Kozintsev and Leonid Trauberg were part of the FEKS (Factory of the Eccentric Actor) movement, emphasizing stylized performance, rhythm, and visual experimentation. The film also incorporates music by Dmitri Shostakovich, composed to intensify the narrative’s emotional and political resonance. --- Trivia: Music composed by Dmitri Shostakovich, considered one of his early masterpieces for film. Utilizes rapid montage and eccentric acting to heighten drama and revolutionary themes. A prominent example of Soviet silent cinema combining political ideology with avant-garde aesthetics. The film was censored and cut upon release due to political sensitivities. Influenced later historical and experimental filmmaking techniques worldwide. --- Hashtags: #TheNewBabylon1929 #GrigoriKozintsev #LeonidTrauberg #Shostakovich #SovietCinema #SilentFilm #HistoricalDrama #AvantGarde #ParisCommune #ClassicCinema #1920sFilm #FilmHistory #GoldenAgeOfSilentFilm