Chagall — Malevich

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Chagall — Malevich is a 2014 Russian biographical drama directed by Alexander Mitta. It tells the story of Marc Chagall’s early years in Vitebsk and his relationship with fellow artist Kazimir Malevich.

Release date: 3 April 2014. Running time: 119 minutes. Country: Russia. Language: Russian.

Starring: Leonid Bichevin, Anatoliy Beliy, Christina Schneider. Production companies: Marmot-Film, ShiM-Film.

The film follows Chagall’s early life in Soviet Russia, especially his time in Vitebsk, where he begins his artistic career. After returning home, he starts an art academy and a museum with a strong collection of Russian avant-garde art. He invites Malevich to teach at the school, despite Malevich’s hunger in Petrograd, which marks the start of their complex relationship. Their friendship slowly becomes rivalry and then intense conflict. The story shows challenges from politics and social unrest, along with personal betrayals, and highlights how his wife Bella supports him.

Malevich’s growing estrangement and the tensions between the artists reflect the era’s turmoil.

The film was shown at the 2014 Busan International Film Festival. It was Mitta’s last film.

Reception: Rotten Tomatoes 20% (10 reviews), average rating 6/10. Metacritic 53/100 (7 critics), indicating mixed or average reviews.