Tarkovsky facts for kids

Tarkovsky is a Russian surname. The feminine form is Tarkovskaya. One of the most famous people with this name was Andrei Tarkovsky, a brilliant Soviet movie director. He is known for making deep and artistic films that explored big ideas about life, memory, and spirituality.

Who Was Andrei Tarkovsky?

Andrei Arsenyevich Tarkovsky was born on April 4, 1932, in Zavrazhye, a village in the Soviet Union. His father, Arseny Tarkovsky, was a well-known poet. His mother, Maria Ivanovna Vishnyakova, worked as a proofreader. Andrei's parents separated when he was young. He grew up mostly with his mother and sister.

Early Life and Education

As a child, Tarkovsky was interested in many things. He studied music, painting, and even Arabic before going to film school. In 1954, he joined the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) in Moscow. This was a famous film school where he learned how to make movies. He studied under the director Mikhail Romm. Romm helped Tarkovsky develop his unique artistic style.

Making Movies: A Unique Style

Tarkovsky directed seven feature films in his career. His movies are known for their slow pace and beautiful, dream-like images. He often used long shots and natural settings. He explored themes like memory, dreams, nature, and faith. His films often made viewers think deeply about life's big questions. They were not always easy to understand, but they were very powerful.

Famous Films by Tarkovsky

• Ivan's Childhood (1962): This was his first full-length film. It tells the story of a young boy who becomes a scout during World War II. The film won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival.
• Solaris (1972): This science fiction film is often compared to Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. It explores human nature and memory on a distant planet.
• Stalker (1979): This movie follows three men on a journey into a mysterious forbidden zone. They hope to find a room that grants wishes. It is a deep look at hope and belief.
• The Mirror (1975): This film is very personal. It mixes memories, dreams, and newsreel footage. It explores the director's own childhood and family history.
• Nostalghia (1983): This film was made in Italy. It is about a Russian writer who feels homesick while traveling abroad.
• The Sacrifice (1986): This was his last film. It was made in Sweden. It tells the story of a man who promises to give up everything he loves to save the world from nuclear war.

Life Outside the Soviet Union

Tarkovsky faced some challenges with the Soviet film authorities. They sometimes found his films too artistic or difficult. Because of this, he spent his last years working outside the Soviet Union. He made his final two films, Nostalghia and The Sacrifice, in Europe. He continued to create powerful and thought-provoking movies until his death.

Legacy and Influence

Andrei Tarkovsky is considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. His movies have inspired many other directors around the world. He showed that movies could be a form of high art. He died on December 29, 1986, in Paris, France. His work continues to be studied and admired by film lovers everywhere.

Images for kids

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  Monument to Andrei Tarkovsky at the entrance of Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography

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  Andrei Tarkovsky at the Latina Refugee Camp of Latina (Italy) in 1985

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  Andrei and Larisa Tarkovsky's grave, Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois Russian Cemetery in France

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  Russian stamp featuring Tarkovsky

See also

In Spanish: Andréi Tarkovski para niños