Semyon ARANOVICH
Семён АРАНОВИЧ
Semion ARANOVITCH
1989, 90mn 
Colour, documentary
Ya sluzhil v okhranye Stalina
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Я служил в охране Сталина

 

 Ya sluzhil v okhranye Stalina

 J'ai servi dans la garde de Staline

Russian subtitle : опыт документальной мифологии
 
Directed by : Semyon ARANOVICH (Семён АРАНОВИЧ)
Writing credits : Semyon ARANOVICH (Семён АРАНОВИЧ), Yuri KLEPIKOV (Юрий КЛЕПИКОВ)
Cinematography : Sergey SIDOROV (Сергей СИДОРОВ)
Music : Aleksandr KNAIFEL (Александр КНАЙФЕЛЬ)
Release Date in Russia : 04/05/1990
 

Plot synopsis
I Was Stalin's Bodyguard is not a mere cheapjack Hollywoodized "expose" but the genuine article, filmed by Russians for Russians. Director Semeon Aranovitch brilliantly blends rarely seen newsreel and documentary footage of the three-decade Stalin regime. The centerpiece is a long, fascinating interview with the last surviving personal bodyguard of the Soviet dictator. Also included are home movies of Stalin, his family and his inner circle. I Was Stalin's Bodyguard is neither blatantly pro- nor anti-Stalin; it offers the facts, then allows the viewer to make up his or her own mind.
Hal Erickson, www.allmovie.com
 

commentaries
Маленькая польза [A propos des deux documentaires de Semion ARANOVITCH : J'ai servi dans la garde de Staline, 1989 et J'ai servi dans l'appareil de Staline, ou Chansons des oligarques, 1990], Андрей ШЕМЯКИН, seance.ru, 2010
 

Selected in the following festivals or events :
- Stalin in contemporary Russian cinema, kinoglaz.fr (France), 2023
- "NIKA" Prizes, Moscow (Russia), 1990