It's hard not to fall in love with the visual aesthetics here. Yes, they're right in line with those of similar titles - works of fantasy from central and eastern Europe in the 60s, 70s, or even early 80s - but in some capacity one is also reminded of the whimsical creations of French pioneer Georges Méliès. The sets alone are terrific with some lovely fine detail, to say nothing of the costume design, hair, and makeup. The stunts and effects are very simple, betraying the inauthenticity, yet there's a charming whimsy to them that's magical and endearing. This pointedly goes even for Kseniya Blinova's editing, and for Arkadi Filippenko's flavorful music, and the use of lighting at select times is just as delightful. Not to be outdone, the whole cast give spirited, animated performances that accentuate the fancifulness. With all this firmly in mind, the storytelling in 'Evenings on a farm near Dikanka,' alternatively known as 'The night before Christmas,' is largely visual. By all means, one will be stymied if one isn't fluent in Russian, or has the benefit of subtitles, or at least has Nikolai Gogol's original story as a point of reference. Yet between Aleksandr Rou's scene writing and direction, and the players' expressive acting, the dialogue almost serves as a rounding facet and finishing touch, like a song that can be appreciated by considering the vocals as another instrument rather than as purveyor of lyrics.
The narrative, meanwhile, is a minor joy, and distinctly follows Gogol's 'Christmas Eve' very closely. What we're given is a fantastical tale stirring together the mischief of The Devil, sorcery, the goings-on and social dynamics of a small rural village - and, of course, love - all at Christmastime. It's not a fiercely gripping saga that demands our eyes and ears, yet it's quite enchanting in and of itself, with clear influence from and reference to the culture in which it was written, and associated folklore. With that short story serving as solid foundation, all those working on this 1961 adaptation had the chance to let their creativity flourish, and the result is ever richer for the splendid work that all turned in, even down to Dmitri Surensky's smart cinematography. This won't appeal to all comers, and as suggested there are certain limitations on who will get the most out of it, but it remains an inviting, duly absorbing picture that's as enjoyable as it is lighthearted. Whether one has a particular interest in Russian cinema, Gogol, atypical holiday flicks, or is just looking for something good to watch, 'Evenings on a farm near Dikanka' is an excellent little movie that's worth checking out.
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