Sectarian Review 53: Andrei Rublev

A discussion about the all-time great Tarkovsky film Andrei Rublev. Learn about how Tarkovsky made a profoundly religious film in the Soviet system. How does this film reflect on the intersection between politics and religion? What special contributions to Christianity has the Orthodox tradition provided? Is Andrei Rublev the quintessential Christian Humanist film? C. Derick Varn returns for this enlightening discussion. Topics: Has the Radical Left finished cannibalizing itself? Protestants and Radicals (not so different). A plug for Andrei Rublev as a Christian Humanist ideal. Tarkovsky’s career: a religious filmmaker in the Soviet system. The structure of Andrei Rublev the film. A plug for Derek’s forthcoming book of poetry. A brief history of the formation of the Russian state. Listener question from Twitter-follower Joe McClure. The specificities of Orthodox Christianity. There are several versions of this film and Martin Scorsese is involved. Tarkovsky’s philosophical ideas: Art exists within imperfection, Experience and knowledge must be gained individually, polished art inhibits personal experience, Learn to love solitude. Andrei Rublev’s plot The tradition of the jester in pre-Russia. Theophanes the Greek and the passing down of religious tradition The Passion instantiates in Russia An encounter with pagans The Orthodox discomfort with wrath and punishment “Oh my God, he made this under Khrushchev!” Using the atheist state to perpetuate the Gospel The Last Judgement Parallels between Andrei Rublev and Game of Thrones The Holy Fool enters and becomes Rublev’s conscience A Monk draws blood Theophanes challenging theology In the midst of art, theology through chaos Salvation through the Holy Fool Kiril’s broken return to God Difference between Bergman and Tarkovsky Bell-making as a transcendent act of faith through art Making art as a God-given role The return of the Holy Fool Cut to color and the actual work of Andrei Rublev Kierkegaard as philosophical grounding Redemptive work of art That balloon scene! Humans are both divine and fallen How do you film “faith?” Derek’s boredom with Leftism Leftist Communion? Please go to iTunes and leave a review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sectarian-review/id1031613670?mt=2 Also, visit and like our Facebook page to access more content: https://www.facebook.com/SectarianReview/