Marathon im Herbst

As a subjective concept 'goodness' is interpreted in various forms. However, it can be easily assessed if it is seen through the prism of 'actions' performed by people. Russian film Osenniy Marafon (Autumn Marathon) is a tragicomic tale wherein the concept of 'goodness' abounds through the portrayal of an English-Russian translator who would help anybody in need. His weakness is that he doesn't know how to refuse anybody who has come to seek help. However, there is more trouble in store for him due to his tendency to intentionally utter numerous false statements to both family members and colleagues. Russian director Georgi Danelia put himself in a creative quandary by making a film about a man who has too many negative qualities despite having a charming outer appearance. This is one reason why authorities who worked for the promotion of Russian cinema were reluctant to promote this film as it chose to depict a philandering liar who would cause immense grief to both his mistress as well as wife. Although the film's theme might appear a little outdated to contemporary viewers but it was an immense success during its release in late 1970s. This brings us to question why there was tremendous opposition to this film in official circles as adultery has always remained a recurring theme in Russian literature. It is not a secret that many duels were fought with loss of lives over extra marital affairs. Lastly Russian actors namely Oleg Bassilashvili, Natalya Gundareva and Marina Neyolova are credible in their respective roles as husband, wife and mistress who suffer immensely as a web of lies is woven around their erratic lives.

After "Osenniy marafon" (called "Autumn Marathon" in English) came out, director Georgi Daneliya couldn't get any work for about two years; the movie didn't conform to socialist realism in quite the way that the authorities wanted. It portrays Leningrad teacher Andrei Buzykin (Oleg Basilashvili), whose life seems to be going nowhere. His wife barely notices him, and the only thing really resembling joy is when his Danish friend asks him to go jogging every day. But things may be about to change.

The title may refer not only to the jogs with his friend, but the possibility that Oleg's life may be about to completely change (and how he may have to overcome certain obstacles). Maybe. And his friend sure had wild hair for a Danish person - I thought that Scandinavian people usually have very straight hair.

Now for a little joke. There ought to be a movie called "Autumn Marathon Man", in which a burnt out Russian teacher gets some unnecessary dental work.

The movie - The Autumn Marathon - is one of my favourite. I grew up in Soviet Union that transformed later into Russian Federation. I still remember those times. Actually, I remember times a little later than 1979 (I was born that year:)), but everything I see in this movie reminds me of my childhood: apartments, cars, clothes etc. I understand the mood of this film. Indeed, it was usual type of mood of "intelligensia" people. People who had good brains and realised they don't have much space to develop their talents. Of course, the character of the protagonist - Andrey - is complicated, he has many inside complexes and can't say "no" to anybody that causes problems for him and others. A man who is waiting for somebody else to made decision for him. He can't tear himself out of "love triangle" ( his wife, lover and him). At the end of the film we see how happy he is when it seems that his wife and lover finally left him. But everything gets back and Andrey's endless "marathon" running continues.....

I enjoyed watching the film. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The film seemed to lack any action when I first watched it.

Initially, my thoughts were he was just a man trying to have it all. He was always willing to help people and wanted the most out of life. There seemed to be a lot going on in his life.

After discussing it with a few others, I realized how little he was in control of happenings.

Overall, It was a good film that held my interest throughout. There was a good amount of humor that I extracted from the film. I just wish there was a little more action. I was waiting for an interesting twist to come into light, but it just seemed like a normal guy doing somewhat unscrupulous things.

I would recommend this film if you want to kill time. It was pretty funny and semi engaging. It didn't have anything that was outstanding about it though.

This is a great comedy about what it means to have a weak character.

Outstanding is the performance of Yevgenij Leonov. Everybody should watch this film because there is a great lesson to learn about life.