Which Films Inspired Andrei Tarkovsky?

In the haunting silence of a rain-drenched birch forest, a figure traverses the ephemeral boundary between dream and reality, a scene that could only belong to the world of Andrei Tarkovsky. This iconic Russian filmmaker, revered for his spiritual and enigmatic masterpieces, once said, Cinema is a mosaic made of time. Tarkovsky’s own cinematic mosaic was intricately pieced together, not just from his profound understanding of human nature and spirituality but also from the myriad of films that touched his artistic soul.

Tarkovsky stands as a colossus in the realm of cinema, not merely within the confines of Russian culture but as a universal visionary whose works continue to resonate across the globe. His films, known for their poetic imagery, metaphysical depth, and slow, reflective pacing, invite viewers into a world where time flows differently, and every frame is a window to the soul. Yet, even a mind as original as Tarkovsky’s did not create in isolation. The films that shaped his vision offer us a fascinating glimpse into the genesis of his unique cinematic language.

This article looks at 30 movies that inspired Tarkovsky, aiming to shed light on the cinematic building blocks that helped construct the towering legacy of this enigmatic director. From the mystical landscapes of Russian folklore to the profound depths of existential Swedish drama, each film contributed to the intricate tapestry of Tarkovsky’s cinematic universe. As we explore these influences, we delve deeper into understanding the man behind the camera and the enduring power of his films.

Context Behind Tarkovsky’s Film Influences

Andrei Tarkovsky’s formative years were cradled in the post-WWII Soviet Union, a time marked by a resurgence in the arts yet shadowed by stringent censorship and ideological control. The cinematic world he inhabited was a paradoxical mix of rich, cultural storytelling and limited exposure to international cinema. Russian and Soviet films of the time were deeply rooted in themes of patriotism, moral struggle, and the human spirit, often painting life with a brush of poetic realism that would later echo in Tarkovsky’s own works.

Despite the restrictions, a select array of foreign films, particularly from socialist countries, did find their way into Soviet theaters, offering a glimpse of diverse storytelling techniques and themes. This complex tapestry of influences, framed within the austere yet artistically vibrant Soviet society, provided a fertile ground for Tarkovsky’s burgeoning creativity, setting the stage for a visionary who would transcend the limitations of his environment to speak a universal cinematic language.

30 Important Movies That Inspired Tarkovsky

Andrei Tarkovsky was inspired by a wide array of filmmakers and movies from various countries and cinematic traditions. While Tarkovsky himself mentioned some influences, others are inferred by scholars and critics who have studied his work. Here’s a list of films and filmmakers that are often cited as having inspired Tarkovsky.

1. The Seventh Seal (1957) by Ingmar Bergman – Profoundly impacted by Bergman’s exploration of life, death, and faith through existential themes and striking visual symbolism.
2. Wild Strawberries (1957) by Ingmar Bergman – Influenced Tarkovsky’s approach to time and memory with its introspective narrative and dream sequences.
3. Winter Light (1962) by Ingmar Bergman – Resonated with Tarkovsky through its exploration of spiritual and existential questions.
4. La Strada (1954) by Federico Fellini – Impacted Tarkovsky’s narrative style and character development with its poetic storytelling and exploration of character depth.
5. 8½ (1963) by Federico Fellini – Influenced Tarkovsky’s approach to personal and artistic crisis with its creative introspection and stylistic flair.
6. Ugetsu (1953) by Kenji Mizoguchi – Affected Tarkovsky’s thematic and narrative style, especially his use of metaphysical imagery, with its lyrical storytelling and supernatural elements.
7. Rashomon (1950) by Akira Kurosawa – Influenced Tarkovsky’s storytelling techniques through its innovative narrative structure and exploration of subjective truth.
8. Diary of a Country Priest (1951) by Robert Bresson – Resonated with Tarkovsky, influencing his narrative and visual approach with its minimalist style and focus on spiritual themes.
9. Pickpocket (1959) by Robert Bresson – Impacted Tarkovsky’s philosophical and aesthetic sensibilities with its moral introspection and cinematic purity.
10. Ordet (1955) by Carl Theodor Dreyer – Mirrored Tarkovsky’s own cinematic preoccupations with its spiritual and existential themes.
11. The Childhood of Maxim Gorky (1938) by Mark Donskoy – Likely influenced Tarkovsky’s own storytelling and visual style with its portrayal of harsh realities and lyrical approach.
12. The Cranes Are Flying (1957) by Mikhail Kalatozov – Known for its artistic approach and powerful anti-war narrative, this film’s emotional depth and cinematic innovation impacted Tarkovsky.
13. Alexander Nevsky (1938) and Ivan the Terrible (1944) by Sergei Eisenstein – Despite Tarkovsky’s different approach, Eisenstein’s epic scale and revolutionary montage techniques were part of the cinematic language he inherited.
14. Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965) by Sergei Parajanov – Influenced Tarkovsky’s visual narrative style with its vivid imagery and symbolic storytelling.
15. City Lights (1931) by Charlie Chaplin – Influenced Tarkovsky’s understanding of the human condition with its blend of humor and deep emotional and social commentary.
16. Voyage in Italy (1954) by Roberto Rossellini – Likely influenced Tarkovsky’s portrayal of human relationships and spiritual longing with its exploration of relationship dynamics and existential themes.
17. Tokyo Story (1953) by Yasujirō Ozu – Influenced Tarkovsky’s thematic exploration with its contemplative style and focus on family and generational conflict.
18. Ballad of a Soldier (1959) by Grigori Chukhray – Likely influenced Tarkovsky’s approach to storytelling and character development with the film’s humanistic portrayal and poetic realism.
19. Earth (1930) by Alexander Dovzhenko – May have influenced Tarkovsky’s thematic focus on nature and spirituality with its portrayal of rural life and the connection between people and their environment.
20. Seven Samurai (1954) by Akira Kurosawa – Likely impacted Tarkovsky’s understanding of character and narrative structure with its epic storytelling and deep humanism.
21. Nazarin (1959) by Luis Buñuel – May have resonated with Tarkovsky’s own spiritual and existential themes with its exploration of faith and morality in a corrupt world.
22. Woman of the Dunes (1964) by Hiroshi Teshigahara – Likely influenced Tarkovsky’s approach to metaphysical and symbolic imagery with its existential themes and striking visual style.
23. Mouchette (1967) by Robert Bresson – Could have impacted Tarkovsky’s narrative and aesthetic style with Bresson’s portrayal of a young girl’s tragic life and his minimalist approach.
24. Persona (1966) by Ingmar Bergman – The psychological depth and innovative narrative structure likely influenced Tarkovsky’s approach to character and identity.
25. La Notte (1961) by Michelangelo Antonioni – May have influenced Tarkovsky’s thematic exploration of human relationships with its exploration of alienation and emotional disconnection.
26. Zero for Conduct (1933) by Jean Vigo – Likely inspired Tarkovsky’s own cinematic rebellion with its rebellious spirit and innovative approach to narrative and form.
27. Journey to Italy (1954) by Roberto Rossellini – Its introspective journey and exploration of the complexities of human relationships may have impacted Tarkovsky’s thematic exploration of personal and spiritual crises.
28. Hamlet (1964) and King Lear (1971) by Grigori Kozintsev – Celebrated for their emotional depth and profound understanding of the human condition, these Shakespeare adaptations likely offered Tarkovsky insights into the art of adapting complex narratives into the cinematic form.
29. Man with a Movie Camera (1929) by Dziga Vertov – This experimental documentary is renowned for its innovative cinematic techniques and likely influenced Tarkovsky’s own use of imagery and philosophical exploration of life’s realities.
30. I Am Twenty (1965) by Marlen Khutsiev – Tarkovsky’s brief experience as an actor in this film offered him an intimate view of the portrayal of the disillusionment and aspirations of the younger generation in the Soviet Union, likely resonating with his thematic concerns and influencing his approach to similar themes in his own work.

Themes and Techniques Tarkovsky Borrowed From Other Films

Tarkovsky’s inspirations were not limited to the narrative and thematic content of these films but extended to their directors’ philosophies, storytelling techniques, and visual aesthetics. He synthesized these diverse influences to create a unique cinematic language that’s contemplative, visually arresting, and deeply personal. While this list is not exhaustive and Tarkovsky’s influences are vast and varied, it provides a glimpse into the cinematic landscape that shaped one of the most visionary filmmakers in history.

From the eclectic tapestry of films that inspired him, Andrei Tarkovsky wove a cinematic language rich with spiritual questing, existential reflection, and a profound search for truth and beauty. His films often delve into the depths of the human soul, exploring themes of memory, longing, and the transcendence of time—motifs echoed in the existential queries and spiritual introspection found in Bergman’s narratives, Bresson’s minimalist expressions, and Dreyer’s meditations on faith. Tarkovsky’s narratives are not mere stories but journeys of the spirit, reflecting the introspective paths charted by films like Wild Strawberries and Diary of a Country Priest.

In terms of technique, Tarkovsky adopted and then profoundly personalized elements like the use of long takes, seen in the works of Mizoguchi and Ozu. These extended sequences create a meditative space within the film, allowing viewers to inhabit the moment deeply. His storytelling is often non-linear, a method reminiscent of Kurosawa’s Rashomon, which invites viewers to piece together the truth from fragmented realities. Moreover, Tarkovsky’s films frequently blur the lines between dream and reality, a technique that echoes Fellini’s dreamlike narratives and the surreal quality of Parajanov’s imagery.

Yet, even as he borrowed these techniques, Tarkovsky imbued them with his own philosophical and poetic sensibility. His slow pacing, attention to natural beauty, and incorporation of metaphysical themes create a cinematic experience that is distinctly his own. In synthesizing these influences, Tarkovsky crafted films that are not just stories but reflections on the nature of existence, inviting the viewer into a contemplative dialogue with the infinite.

Understanding the mosaic of influences that shaped Andrei Tarkovsky’s cinematic vision is key to appreciating the depth and originality of his work. While he drew from a diverse well of sources, Tarkovsky’s interpretation and synthesis of these elements resulted in a distinct artistic voice that has resonated through the annals of film history. His ability to transform inspiration into a deeply personal and universal language of cinema underscores his role as a visionary artist. The films and directors that influenced him are not just footnotes but integral threads in the tapestry of his creativity. Yet, it is Tarkovsky’s unique alchemy of these influences, combined with his profound philosophical and poetic sensibility, that cements his status as an enduring and influential figure in the cinematic world.