This film would have been ruined by a big studio production. there is no way to "hollywoodize" Josef Stalin. He was perhaps the worst and most brutal tyrant of the 20th century. Estimates range from 20-40 million deaths he was responsible for. He was in no way a nice man. in him there was not an ounce of decency, only a vast void of feeling that Robert Duvall conveyed very well. the film itself almost seemed hollow or lifeless at times, and generally moved slowly. Passer's meticulous method pays off, however, with powerful performances from Plowright, Schell, and Ormond complimenting Duvall's brilliance. After viewing this film it should be difficult not to place Duvall amongst the present day acting legends (DeNiro, Nicholson, Pacino, Hopkins, etc). Very few have played such a wide variety of roles as Duvall has. My whole point in this being, "Stalin" IS Duvall's picture. Duvall is Stalin. If you enjoy well made, historically accurate films and Robert Duvall both you're in for a treat. Otherwise this film will bore you.
Review of Stalin
