On Konstantin Lopuhansky’s Dead Man’s Letters (1986)
In a time of conflict, tension, and despair, this film is a reminder of humanity’s capacities for both destruction and love.
A demonstration of the worst-case accident; and a beacon of hope.
Dead Man’s Letters was written and directed by the Russian director Konstantin Lopushansky in 1986. It tells the story of a group of people in a bunker after a nuclear war.
The film is described as post-apocalyptic. Its atmosphere alludes to a vacuum, a halted non-time; despite narrative progression. The images are calm and powerful.
Before deciding to end his life, one member of the group presents a speech in the defense of humanity. The words are poetic, philosophical, religious, nostalgic, fragile; strong, and truthful. In its most humble sense.
“We found within ourselves the strength for compassion. Even though it contradicted with the laws of survival. We managed to feel self-respect even if it was always trampled on. We created masterpieces of art even realizing its uselessness and fragility. We found in ourselves the ability to love. Oh Lord, how difficult it was! Even though the inexorability of time was smoldering away our bodies and our thoughts and feelings. But man persisted to love. And the love created art, art that could reflect our unearthly yearning for perfection, our endless despair, and our immense cry for terror.”
To art.
Not as a naive refuge; but as a lasting expression for humanity’s will for life and love!
Watch the movie here. Great thanks to Zeughauskino Berlin for screening the movie in summer 2024 and re-emphasising its relevance.
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