"Private Life" offers a moderately melancholic view of a hard-working Soviet man who begins to question his life, his relationships and
work relations after being fired from his job and being replaced by a younger man. Released at the height of Cold War and with the
ocidental world firmly believing that a nation under Communism is strictly different in people's values and relations, a film like this can
enlighten audiences in showing a reality that isn't so spectacularly different, the worries and troubles related with employment are a little
similar and audiences can easily relate with the bitter hero from the story. It's about a man trying to reclaim his dignity through new actions, see
life and relations under a new perspective, and maybe make it up for some time lost.
Mikhail Ulyanov plays Sergey Nikitich Abrikosov, a veteran bureaucratic middle-aged man who lives for his job, almost as if a way to avoid
dealing with his young adult sons and daughters; one lukewarm relationship at play, other that ended long ago, and a mistress of whom he loves to be with but can't
move to a marriage situation. Like many Soviet, his fully dedicated to the work and the party, until he gets sacked and replaced by a protégée of
his, a much younger man. At home, Sergey doesn't feel comfortable in sharing his new status, always using of fancy words to explain that he was
demoted but he's also waiting for the phone to ring with a new position that exists in the place.
The story follows the hard examination Sergey does with all the aspects of his life, his role as head of the family and demanding that his son
Igor (Aleksei Blokhin) get a job; tries to find ways to look at the brighter side of life as he daydreams about new jobs or a dreamy vacation; and
he also gets close to the women in his life, trying to enjoy culture with his current wife and set some straight definitions with the lover.
It's not as bleak as it sounds, as director Yuli Raizman finds a way to inject some humor in the story and the situations. In one key moment, Sergey
is having lunch and the man in front of him happened to be a former employee of whom he fired, and the man talks about the nicknames he and his work
mates used to describe Sergey behind his back. He questions: "Why you were like that?", to which the answer goes about different sides of a same
place, meaning that a boss will always be seen with different eyes, and those under him will be critical. Gladly, after a few drinks they get
along and the former employee reveals that he's in a better position.
The story is a little loose at times, torn apart between by a cold comedy and a relevant drama that solves things in an easy manner. Ulyanov's
performance certainly makes the film, a tough character hardened by routine and tradition, but slowly he reveals a more human, caring nature. Not
necessarily the cliched manner we're used to see in many movies, Sergey's evolution is more subtle yet revealing. Take the scenes where his son approaches
him, some of the best dialgues of the story, as they finally have the time to connect with each other yet there's distance, generational clashes but
utmost respect. He's allowing himself to listen for the first time in his life to all the worries of the people around him.
Here's a very positive, reflective and enjoyable story with many great moments and interesting performances. Of the five Oscar nominees in the Best Foreign
Language Film category is one of the lesser known films, but it's also one of the best (I place it in 4th, above "Alsino and the Condor"). The lessons and
reflections shared were valid and solid, and done in a non preachy/moral way. Life and humanity as it is. 8/10.
