Война как протагонист: философская проблематика фильма "Иди и смотри" Элема Климова

Философские науки. 2021. Т. 64. № 6. С. 125–146.

Gulyaev R.

The article examines theoretic problems of representation of war in cinema, based on the analysis of such representation in ‘Come and See’ by Elem Klimov. Traditional military films focus on heroism and sacrifice, and often relate to myths of national history. Thus, war in cinema mostly looks exciting and spectacular. Klimov, while taking rather conventional subject of Soviet partisan struggle on occupied territories, tries to overcome this model, instead focusing on shocking and traumatizing effect of war. In this attempt his view looks similar to the approach of Carl von Clausewitz, XIX century Prussian war theorist: they both argue against armchair militarists and present war as a ‘province of physical exertion and suffering’. It is so because of danger, physical effort, uncertainty and chance, and Klimov meticulously models an impact of these factors both on his characters and audience. However, the central point of Clausewitz’s theory is a figure of military genius, who is able to succeed despite these obstacles. Klimov’s film lacks such a figure: audience perceives war through the eyes of adolescent boy, who is nether physically nor morally prepared for this experience and is utterly crushed by it. As a result, ‘Come and See’ should not be considered as a pro-war or anti-war film – it is an examination of its nature, recreating specific military experience and traumas.

Keywords: кино, cinema studies, насилие, violence, Clausewitz, Карл фон Клаузевиц, partisan warfare, партизаны

Publication based on the results of: Этическое осмысление войны и мира. Советское наследие и его современное значение (2021)