Crime and Punishment

Synopsis

Raskolnikow, a 1923 silent film adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky's celebrated novel "Crime and Punishment," stars Gregori Chmara as the tormented protagonist Rodion Raskolnikow. Set in the grim streets of St. Petersburg, the film delves deeply into Raskolnikow's psychological turmoil as he grapples with his radical philosophical ideas and the moral repercussions of his actions. This expressionist work captures the intense inner conflict and despair of a man divided between his intellectual justifications and his conscience. The stark black-and-white cinematography and haunting performances effectively communicate the themes of guilt, redemption, and human suffering without the use of dialogue, making it a powerful cinematic interpretation of the classic literary masterpiece.

Cast

• 

  Gregori Chmara

  Rodion Raskolnikow

• 

  Elisabeta Skulskaja

  Seine Mutter

• 

  Alla Tarasova

  Seine Schwester

• 

  Andrei Zhilinsky

  Rasumichin

• 

  Mikhail Tarkhanov

  Marmeladow

• Mariya Germanova

  seine Frau

Reviews

Critically, Raskolnikow (1923) has been acknowledged for its ambitious attempt to translate Dostoevsky's complex narrative and psychological depth into visual form, especially given the silent film constraints. On IMDb, the film holds a score of 6.7/10, reflecting a mix of appreciation for its artistic value and recognition of its dated style and pacing. Reviewers often praise Gregori Chmara's compelling portrayal of the conflicted Raskolnikow, with some highlighting the film's strong atmospheric visuals and expressionist influences that contribute to a bleak, immersive mood. However, some critics have found the adaptation's narrative structure to be challenging to follow, indicating that the silent format and condensed storyline may leave modern audiences craving more clarity. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an official rating due to the film's age and niche status, but film historians recognize it as an important early interpretation of Russian literature in cinema. Metacritic similarly lacks a formal score but features retrospective reviews appreciating its historical and artistic significance while noting its limitations as a mainstream entertainment piece. Overall, Raskolnikow is praised for its ambitious faithfulness to the source material and the intensity of its lead performance, though it remains primarily of interest to enthusiasts of silent cinema and literary adaptations.

See also

Hellraiser: Hellseeker

HIM

Good Boy

Malum