The short film "Master and Servant" is a true classic of Soviet Caucasus and Armenian cinema. Based on a story by Hovhannes Tumanyan, the film features first-rate performances by top Soviet Armenian film and theatre actors Tatik Saryan, Frunzik Mkrtchyan, and Sos Sargsyan.
However what really makes "Master and Servant" a classic is not just the comedy, the storyline, or the acting, but also the style of filmmaking. Director Kesayants takes full advantage of the film's black and white photography with its high contrast chiaroscuro lighting. The camera is extremely mobile and the editing is quick, giving "Master and Servant" the feel of a French New Wave film. Indeed, it is the camera that becomes a part of the action and that quickly emerges as one of the film's greatest actors.
Overall, "Master and Servant" is a prime example of just how innovative the Caucasus film scene was within the Soviet context. It's a classic that deserves more exposure and that should be made more available to Western audiences.
