Film: Khrushchev Does America (2013)

April 26, 2014 | By

 

KhruschevDoesAmerica_K_pix_bFilm: Very Good

Transfer:  n/a  Extras: n/a

Label: n/a

Region: n/a

Released:  n/a

Genre:  Documentary / Hot Docs 2014

Synopsis: Vivid and amusing retelling of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev’s 1959 visit to the United States where he ultimately defied his American handlers and left a more positive impression on Americans prior to the return of the Cold War.

Special Features:  n/a

 


 

Review:

Tim Toidze’s background in editing and producing a multitude of historical films serves him well in this roughly hour-long chronology of Nikita Khrushchev’s 1959 visit to America where the shoe-banging ‘We will bury you’ spouting Soviet leader wanted to present a powerful yet human side of Communism to the Americans. Kept at a distance from the general public, chastised by corporate and civic leaders for being a red dictator, and branded fat, bald, and goofy-looking by leading American TV personalities before he had even arrived on U.S. soil, it kind of makes sense why the savvy political leader would turn tables and be utterly frank to his so-called hosts (especially when denied access to Disneyland).

Toidze’s film is wholly drawn from archival footage (some from different angles / sources of the same event) and rare extracts of Khrushchev’s amusingly scatological memoirs. Clearly a labour of love, Toidze also wrote an extremely witty narration (performed in English by Geoffrey Bateman) to remind the world of how a demonized figure worked the politicians, the media, and the crowds, and began a brief thaw during a long and chilly Cold War.

 

 

© 2014 Mark R. Hasan

 


 

External References:
IMDB  —  Hot Docs 2014 Listing
 
Vendor Search Links:
Amazon.ca —  Amazon.com —  Amazon.co.uk

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Category: Blu-ray / DVD Film Review

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