waltersobchak-1

Just saw this stupendous documentary on a big screen in a beautiful setting, outside under the stars. The film travels to three places on our planet where bad weather and light pollution are not an issue and were as a result of that picked by scientists to build some very big telescopes. Not only do we see the sites where these telescopes are, and meet the scientists that work there, we also see the life in the direct surroundings, meeting some persons that talk about their lives they live in a world where the night sky is filled to the brim with stars.

Although it may seem so, this movie has nothing to do with the USSR. The movie's title refers to the protagonist's crimson birthmark on top of his head, just as the former Soviet leader. Gorbaciof works as a cashier at the prison of Naples. Quite easily he manages to embezzle money with which he gambles at night playing card games in the back of a Chinese restaurant. When he starts to feel for Lila, the mysterious and gorgeous waitress of the restaurant, everything changes.

The beautiful camera work and excellent editing make up for the lack of dialog in this film (there is almost no spoken word). Lots of dynamic shots, close ups and long takes in combination with the very good acting of Tony Servillo and Mi Yang make for a great cinematic experience. There is a lot of suspense in this film, but it has also funny and romantic moments. The only downside is the story, which is too straight forward in my opinion. If you can live with that I would say that this is nothing less than a must-see. Enjoy!