# Andrei Tarkovsky

> Soviet and Russian film director, screenwriter, film editor, film theorist, theatre and opera director (1932–1986)

**Wikidata**: [Q853](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q853)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrei_Tarkovsky)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andrei-tarkovsky

## Summary
Andrei Tarkovsky was a Soviet and Russian film director, screenwriter, film editor, film theorist, and theatre and opera director who lived from 1932 to 1986. He is best known for his distinct artistic contributions to cinema through films such as *Solaris*, *Andrei Rublev*, and *Stalker*.

## Biography
- **Born:** April 4, 1932
- **Died:** December 29, 1986 (also recorded as December 28, 1986)
- **Nationality:** Soviet Union; France; Italy
- **Education:**
  - Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography
  - Top Courses for Scriptwriters and Film Directors
- **Known for:** Directing poetic, philosophical films that explore spiritual and metaphysical themes.
- **Employer(s):**
  - Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
  - Mosfilm
- **Field(s):** Film, Theatre, Opera

## Contributions
Andrei Tarkovsky directed seven feature films that are widely regarded as masterpieces of world cinema. His filmography includes *Ivan's Childhood* (1962), *Andrei Rublev* (1966), *Solaris* (1972), *The Mirror* (1975), *Stalker* (1979), *Nostalghia* (1983), and *The Sacrifice* (1986). Beyond directing, he worked as a screenwriter and film editor for these projects. His theoretical contributions include writings on the nature of cinema, specifically the concept of "sculpting in time."

## FAQs
**What awards did Andrei Tarkovsky receive?**
Tarkovsky received several prestigious awards, including the Lenin Prize, the Golden Lion, the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, the Cannes Best Director Award, and the Golden Eagle Awards. He also held the titles of People's Artist of the RSFSR and Honored Art Worker of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

**What is Andrei Tarkovsky's educational background?**
He studied at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography and attended the Top Courses for Scriptwriters and Film Directors in Moscow.

**Which organizations was Andrei Tarkovsky affiliated with?**
He was affiliated with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences and worked with the film studio Mosfilm.

## Why They Matter
Andrei Tarkovsky is considered one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema. His work is noted for its profound philosophical depth, distinct visual style, and innovative use of time and space, influencing directors such as Lars von Trier. His films *Stalker* and *Solaris* are seminal works in the science fiction genre, redefining it through metaphysical inquiry rather than technological spectacle. His legacy extends beyond film into theatre and opera, and he is recognized as a pivotal figure in Russian and Soviet cultural history.

## Notable For
- Directing seven major feature films: *Ivan's Childhood*, *Andrei Rublev*, *Solaris*, *The Mirror*, *Stalker*, *Nostalghia*, and *The Sacrifice*.
- Winning the Golden Lion for *Ivan's Childhood*.
- Receiving the Cannes Best Director Award and Grand Prix.
- Being awarded the Lenin Prize, a prestigious Soviet honor.
- Being named a People's Artist of the RSFSR.
- Having an asteroid named after him: 3345 Tarkovskij.
- Authoring significant works in film theory.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Andrei Arsenyevich Tarkovsky was born on April 4, 1932. He pursued formal training in the arts at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography, a premier film school in Moscow, Russia, founded in 1919. He also attended the Top Courses for Scriptwriters and Film Directors, a specialized film school in Moscow established in 1960. His educational background laid the foundation for his diverse career as a film director, screenwriter, film editor, and theorist.

### Film Career and Major Works
Tarkovsky's active work period spanned from 1958 to 1986. He created a substantial body of work consisting of seven feature films:
- **Ivan's Childhood (1962):** His feature debut, which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
- **Andrei Rublev (1966):** A historical drama exploring the life of the Russian icon painter.
- **Solaris (1972):** A science fiction film based on Stanisław Lem's novel.
- **The Mirror (1975):** A non-linear autobiographical film.
- **Stalker (1979):** A philosophical science fiction film.
- **Nostalghia (1983):** A film produced in Italy, reflecting on memory and exile.
- **The Sacrifice (1986):** His final film, released the year of his death.

### Affiliations and Employment
Throughout his career, Tarkovsky was affiliated with significant cultural and academic institutions. He was associated with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, a research institute in Moscow founded in 1930. He also worked with Mosfilm, the oldest and largest film studio in Russia, known for producing many of the Soviet Union's most famous films.

### Awards and Honors
Tarkovsky received numerous accolades recognizing his artistic contributions:
- **Lenin Prize:** One of the most prestigious awards in the Soviet Union.
- **People's Artist of the RSFSR:** A Soviet title of honor.
- **Honored Art Worker of the RSFSR:** An honorary title awarded for significant contributions to the arts.
- **Golden Lion:** Awarded at the Venice Film Festival (for *Ivan's Childhood*).
- **Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix:** The second-most prestigious prize at Cannes.
- **Cannes Best Director Award:** Recognizing his directorial excellence.
- **Golden Eagle Awards:** A Russian film and television award.

### Legacy and Influence
Tarkovsky's influence extends to future generations of filmmakers, notably Lars von Trier, a Danish film director and screenwriter born in 1956. His impact is also commemorated astronomically; the asteroid **3345 Tarkovskij** is named in his honor. His work in film theory, particularly regarding the manipulation of time in cinema, remains a subject of academic study. He held citizenship in the Soviet Union, France, and Italy, reflecting his international career and the global reach of his art. He passed away in late December 1986, with records listing both the 28th and 29th as the date of death.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
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8. [HOLLIS](https://id.lib.harvard.edu/alma/99158327029403941/catalog)
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