There’s a common perception among certain moviegoers that old movies can be stuffy and stagey. When one thinks about classic black-and-white films, sweeping camera movements and breathtaking single-shot scenes may not come to mind. But this simply means they’ve never seen a film by Soviet director Mikhail Kalatozov. Like other Soviet filmmakers of his era, Kalatozov was ahead of his time — with I Am Cuba in particular. The 1964 film tells the story of pre-revolutionary Cuba through four vignettes, each so visually impressive it’ll make you think you’re watching a modern movie. Kalatozov employed a variety of unorthodox methods, including using submarine periscope cleaners and cables to achieve oners that modern filmmakers could only dream of. Combine that with the political fervor the film audaciously displays and you’ve got a classic you can’t miss. The film is showing as part of the Belcourt’s Milestones of the Last Quarter Century series. For showtimes, visit belcourt.org.
