Cinematic Point Of View

Director Mikhail Kalatozov’s 1962 film “Letter Never Sent” is easily one of the most visually beautiful films I have ever seen.

The story is a simple one. A group of 4 scientists are in the wilds of Russia, on a scientific mission funded by the state, trying to locate diamonds when a forest fire forces them to flee.

It’s a basic man versus nature story with some great chemistry between all the lead actors. Considering that this movie was made in the early 60s I have absolutely no idea how they pulled off some of the shots that are in this film. Was this a real forest fire? Did they put the real actor on an iceberg and send him down a river in Siberia? It seemed like the cast was in actual jeopardy.

The realism and beauty of shot composition is on display in every single frame. If I was to compare this to a modern film, it would walk side-by-side with The Revenant or Children of Men.

This is one of two film’s by Kalatozov that I’ve watched. I’ll share my thoughts on another in an upcoming post. If you like cinema you should definently seek out this amazing film.

I bought the Criterion Blu-Ray on a whim but it might be available on Criterion Channel streaming as well.