The film is loosely based on Russian prosaic works of the 19th century. Alexander Sokurov re-reads the pages of the famous prose in his own manner. Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” was chosen as ideological pivot, a historical landmark but not the basis of the story.
Gustav Mahler’s vocal cycle was recorded by vocalist Lina Mkrtchyan specially for this film.
Source : www.lenfilm.ru
