Slushatel (2004) Reviews

• a former corporate hot shot turns into a confidante

  anushree2007-05-30

  i have to admit, i accepted a friend's invitation to watch a contemporary Russian film,only because i was dying of boredom on a summer afternoon, my experience of Russian cinema being limited to tarkovsky's zerkalo(the mirror), so i was expecting something intense and brooding.Slushatel (aka listener) was a very pleasant surprise. to give a brief outline of the plot: alimony has ensured that petrov, the wealthy president of a successful company, is left with only "his toothbrush and his freedom". so he approaches an employment bureau where he's offered a job with a good salary, comfortable housing and meals.all he has to do is Listen...to a dysfunctional(is there any other kind?) family's numerous problems, which range from plagiarism, adultery,bullying, divorce,a flooded apartment, etc.occupational hazards include grievous physical and mental violence, which will be heftily compensated for. there' also the sub-plot of petrov's ex-wife and her "gigolo" lover(and his cuff-links) quirky, witty, fine performances( even when they are hysterical), a catchy background theme that blends perfectly, Slushatel's a treat to watch. now running at your nearest Russian consulate.

  More

• This is a perfect example of why Russian cinema is so glorious.

  ahuigens2007-01-25

  This is a perfect example of why Russian cinema is so glorious. It's jam-packed with intrigue, violence, crazy antics, drinking and babes. Dyuzhev is a master of his art; no one can play a hotter egomaniac/lunatic. Sidyachko (Dyuzhev) steals with Petrov's (his boss's) wife in hopes of getting her to turn the company over to him. He couldn't count on the turn of events that follows. After reuniting with a down-trodden old friend, Kulema, Petrov is hired as a confidant to a rather dysfunctional family. The daughter in this family is ironically Sidyachko's ex-wife. Throughout the duration of the movie Pertov gets the brunt of pent-up anger. Petrov receives, however, a hefty sum in reward for being the family's punching bag. Love affairs are abound in the film. The little brother and grandfather are equally abusive. But all's well that ends well.

  More