Heart of a Dog

Synopsis

Heart of a Dog (1988), directed by Vladimir Bortko and starring Evgeniy Evstigneev, is an adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov's satirical novel. Set in the Soviet Union during the 1920s, the film follows a hyper-intelligent stray dog named Sharik who is transformed into a human being by the enigmatic Professor Preobrazhensky. Through this grotesque experiment, Sharik becomes Poligraph Poligraphovich Sharikov, a crude and uncouth individual embodying the defects of society. As the professor's creation spirals out of control, the film explores themes of identity, social engineering, and the clash between natural instincts and imposed ideology. Heart of a Dog masterfully combines dark humor with a critical examination of Soviet society, making it a thought-provoking piece of cinema.

Cast

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  Evgeniy Evstigneev

  профессор Филипп Преображенский

• 

  Boris Plotnikov

  доктор Борменталь

• 

  Vladimir Tolokonnikov

  Шариков

• 

  Nina Ruslanova

  Дарья Петровна

• 

  Olga Melikhova

  Зиночка

• 

  Aleksei Mironov

  Федор

Reviews

Heart of a Dog has been widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. IMDb users give the film a high rating of 8.5/10, reflecting its strong resonance and impactful storytelling. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score for this film, but individual reviews praise its faithful adaptation of Bulgakov's work and the standout performance by Evgeniy Evstigneev. Sean Axmaker of Turner Classic Movies commends the film for its 'sharp satire and stunning performances,' particularly highlighting the evocative direction by Vladimir Bortko. Critic Jonathan Rosenbaum from the Chicago Reader describes Heart of a Dog as 'a brilliant fusion of science fiction and social commentary,' lauding its ability to critique the Soviet regime under the guise of absurdist humor. However, some reviews note that the film's heavy reliance on its complex source material could be challenging for viewers unfamiliar with Bulgakov's novel, potentially limiting its accessibility. Overall, Heart of a Dog is seen as a significant piece of Russian cinema that effectively balances entertainment with poignant social critique.