Circus is a Soviet melodramatic comedy, a musical film directed by Grigori Aleksandrov in 1936. Taking into consideration the ideology of the USSR, it is not difficult to understand that this work aims to represent the positive sides of the country to dispel negative myths about it. As a mother of a Black child, Marion Dixon may become a victim of racial prejudice and discrimination defined as a main social issue of the United States (MagnĂşsdĂłttir 6). In the film, the capitalist society is depicted as a prison where people are forced to hide their individuality and identity. At the same time, in the film, the Soviet Union is a country where culturally diverse people of different nationalities live all together peacefully, and Marion’s “racial crime” does not bother anyone.
Franz fon Kneishiz, the director of Mary’s circus show, who was jealous of her success probably represents Adolf Hitler or Germany. This country’s fascist ideology was opposite to the Soviet one, and racial issues were highly crucial there in the 1930s, as well. However, regardless of propaganda typical for the Soviet cinema, Circus addresses a highly essential idea that remains actual in the present day – the significance of equality, non-discrimination, friendship, and brotherhood.
Another film that represents and praises Soviet ideology is Bright Way, another musical film directed also by Aleksandrov in 1940. It addresses the story of an illiterate village young woman who achieves considerable success due to” the right combination of talent, hard work, assertiveness, politically correct ideas, and an unshakable faith in a bright future” (Iordanova). In general, these traits were especially valued within Soviet ideology. However, the main idea of this film related to the significance of labor and people’s responsibility for their happiness and success may be regarded as relevant for any nation.
Works Cited
Iordanova, Dina. “Lyubov Orlova: Stalinism’s Shining Star.” Senses of Cinema.
MagnĂşsdĂłttir, RĂłsa. Enemy Number One: The United States of America in Soviet Ideology and Propaganda, 1945-1959. Oxford University Press, 2019.