Aelita (1924) by Protazanov

Show Notes

This week, Matt and Cameron dive into the 1924 film Aelita, directed by Yakov Protazanov, to learn more about very early Soviet sci-fi, New Economic Policy anxiety, and Martian socialist revolution. It’s the most fun you didn’t know you could have with a silent film. Get your plans for your rocket ship, write “Anta Odeli Uta” on your window, and tune in!

Major themes: Is popular media art?, Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Missing Sugar

12:51 - Cinema and Soviet Society: From the Revolution to the Death of Stalin by Peter Kenez

16:38 - “Women as Princesses or Comrades: Ambivalence in Yakov Protazanov’s ‘Aelita’ “ by Peter Christensen

The music used in this episode was “Старое Кино / Staroye Kino,” by Перемотка / Peremotka. You can find more of their work on Bandcamp and Youtube. 

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