Boris Godunov (1986)

Based on the closet play Boris Godunov, also known as A Dramatic Tale, The Comedy of the Distress of the Muscovite State, of Tsar Boris, and of Grishka Otrepyev, by Alexander Pushkin, written in 1825, and first published in 1831.

Boris Godunov is regent of Russia, and after Ivan's son Feodor dies he ascends to the throne. There is a suspicion that Boris murdered Ivan's younger son Dmitry. Boris's rule is placed under threat when an escaped monk says he is the surviving Dmitry, and claims the throne for himself.

Lazy theatrical adaptation, a uniformly dull film which nevertheless exhibits very beautiful interiors from churches and palaces, and some exteriors which are also impressive. The false Dmitry is as much a protagonist as Boris, something which the shortened title simply ignores. I watched it on a very poorly subtitled copy, which means my assesment could be slightly more approving under better conditions.

Rating: 40