Kalatozov's Salt For Svanetia opens with a quote from Vladimir Lenin, and any questions as to whether it is a homage to the late leader or an indication of the content to come are quickly answered. The film centers on the Svanetian people in the village of Ushkul, and they are portrayed as culturally backwards and simple people, ruled by religious superstition and the limits of technology. While the portrayal of the Svans seems perhaps a little unfair, the depiction is done impeccably. Techniques Kalatozov uses are the same shots and angles that contemporary documentary filmmakers use; views look down from high mountain passes and from unorthodox ground angles that look up into the faces of people and animals alike. One is overtaken with the beauty of the region, but it is depicted harshly. The environment may be picturesque, but it is dangerous.In this treacherous existence, religion dominates and Kalatozov ensures to cast it in a negative light. The funeral for fallen workers after the avalanche is uncomfortable and ritualistic; scenes of villagers running and falling into the grave doesn't take on any chilling spirituality, it only seems to depict the desperation of the Svans' religion. With this, the film aligns with Soviet doctrine. After depicting hardship for much of the film, the last few propagandistic minutes seem like an afterthought. It emphasizes the power and freedom communism brings, explicitly stating "for the Svans, for the communists, there are no obstacles". It seems like a weak and kitschy ending, and the line "our economic plan is stronger than old religion and customs" drives the point home even more obviously. This film, appeasements aside, is a fascinating depiction of rural life, and its informative pace is hypnotic (regardless of whether or not that information is fully factual).
Review of Salt for Svanetia
