New Movies: Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie (2024) by Kirill Serebrennikov

"Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie (2024)": An Energetic and Divisive Portrait of a Radical Life

Kirill Serebrennikov's "Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie" is a vibrant and unconventional biographical drama that attempts to capture the chaotic and controversial life of Eduard Limonov, the Russian writer, poet, and political provocateur. Based on Emmanuel Carrère's acclaimed novel, the film takes viewers on a whirlwind journey through Limonov's various incarnations, from underground poet in Soviet Russia to homeless vagabond in New York, celebrated author in Paris, and eventually, a firebrand political figure back in Russia.

The movie is characterized by its dynamic and often jarring style, mirroring the turbulent nature of its subject. Ben Whishaw's central performance as Limonov has been widely praised for its energy and commitment, anchoring the film's fragmented narrative. While the film has been noted for its visual flair and bold directorial choices,

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2963262/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/limonov-the-ballad-review-ben-whishaw-1236009366/

About Movie: https://wildside.it/en/movie/limonov/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/limonov-the-ballad-of-eddie (France), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/limonov-the-ballad-of-eddie (Italy), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/limonov-the-ballad-of-eddie (Spain)

"Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie (2024)": An Electrifying and Divisive Portrait

Kirill Serebrennikov's "Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie (2024)" is a biographical drama that plunges into the tumultuous life of the controversial Russian figure Eduard Limonov. Based on Emmanuel Carrère's acclaimed novel, the film is less a traditional biopic and more a dynamic, fragmented exploration of a man who lived many lives: from an underground poet in Soviet Russia and a down-and-out in New York, to a celebrated writer in Paris and a firebrand political antihero back in his homeland. The film is noted for its bold style and a captivating central performance by Ben Whishaw.

Detailed Summary:

The film chronicles the extraordinary and often contradictory journey of Eduard Limonov (born Eduard Savenko). It traces his early defiance as a poet in the Soviet Union, his emigration to the United States where he experienced poverty and worked as a butler, and his subsequent rise to literary fame in Paris. Disillusioned with the West, Limonov returns to Russia after the fall of communism and becomes a radical political figure, founding the National Bolshevik Party, a controversial group with a mix of ideologies. The narrative leaps across time and location, reflecting the chaotic and self-invented nature of Limonov's identity. The film portrays his interactions, relationships, and transformations against the backdrop of significant historical shifts in the late 20th century.

Plot Summary:

The film highlights key periods and events in Limonov's life, including:

• His formative years and early struggles as a nonconformist poet in the USSR.

• His time in New York, marked by poverty, disillusionment, and unconventional experiences.

• His literary success and controversial presence in Parisian intellectual circles.

• His return to post-Soviet Russia and his foray into radical, often extremist, politics.

Director's Vision:

Director Kirill Serebrennikov employs a non-linear and visually audacious approach to capture the essence of Eduard Limonov. His vision appears to be that of presenting a kaleidoscopic view of a life lived on the edge, reflecting Limonov's own chaotic energy and self-mythologizing. Serebrennikov utilizes dynamic camera work, potentially long takes, and a blend of cinematic techniques to create an immersive and sometimes disorienting experience. The film's style mirrors the fragmented and contradictory nature of Limonov's personality and his tumultuous journey across different worlds.

Themes:

• Identity and Transformation: The film explores Limonov's constant reinvention of himself, moving between roles as a poet, exile, writer, and political figure, and how these identities are shaped by his circumstances and his own will.

• Art and Rebellion: The relationship between artistic expression and defiance of societal and political norms is a central theme, showcasing how Limonov used his writing and public persona to challenge the status quo.

• Exile and Belonging: The film touches upon Limonov's experiences of displacement and his search for a place where he truly belongs, whether in the Soviet Union, the United States, Paris, or the new Russia.

• Political Extremism: The film delves into Limonov's radical political activities and the ideologies he espoused, raising questions about the appeal and consequences of extremism.

• The Cult of Personality: The film examines how Limonov actively constructed his own image and narrative, becoming a larger-than-life figure through his writings and public actions.

Key Success Factors:

• Ben Whishaw's Commanding Performance: Whishaw's portrayal of Limonov is frequently cited as a standout element, capturing the character's charisma, intensity, and contradictions with compelling energy.

• Kirill Serebrennikov's Distinctive Direction: The director's bold and unconventional filmmaking style is seen by many as a fitting way to tell the story of such a radical figure, injecting the film with vitality and visual interest.

• Fascinating and Provocative Subject Matter: Eduard Limonov's extraordinary and controversial life provides a naturally dramatic and thought-provoking foundation for the film.

Summary Short:

"Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie" is a dynamic biographical film directed by Kirill Serebrennikov, starring Ben Whishaw as the multifaceted Russian figure Eduard Limonov. The movie charts Limonov's life from Soviet poet to New York vagabond, Parisian writer, and Russian political radical, employing a fragmented style to reflect his chaotic journey and controversial persona.

Awards and Nominations:

"Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie" has garnered attention in the film world. It was an Official Selection in Competition for the Palme d'Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024. It also received a win and a nomination at the CineLibri International Book and Movie Festival and a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the David di Donatello Awards in 2025.

Critics Reception:

Critical reception for "Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie" has been varied, with many critics acknowledging the film's ambition and Whishaw's performance while having differing opinions on its narrative cohesion and portrayal of the subject.

• Metacritic: The film holds a weighted average score of 61 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 9 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews."

  • IndieWire (83): Praised the film's excess of energy and how it "pummels you with the bacchanal brewing inside its lead."

  • The Guardian (80): Described it as "an exhilarating, alarming look at that much discussed subject: the Russian soul."

  • The Film Stage (75): Found it "as muddled as its subject," but also "one of the director's strongest in quite some time."

  • Screen Daily (70): Called it a "revved-up, fragmented, ramshackle way as a modern Russian epic."

  • Time Out (60): Viewed it as an "energetic and engrossing" exercise in capturing Limonov's legend, but suggested taking the history "with a pinch of salt."

  • The Hollywood Reporter (50): Found the film "baggy to the point of undisciplined" and that "the aesthetic takes precedence over the inherent themes."

  • Variety (30): Criticized it as a "noisy but lifeless film" that is a "mispronunciation" of Limonov.

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film has an approval rating of 68% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 22 reviews, with an average rating of 6.4/10.

• Cineuropa: Characterized the film as a "fragmented 360° portrait of a rebellious artist" and praised Serebrennikov's visual work.

• The Film Verdict: Highlighted the "stunning visual techniques" and Ben Whishaw's "edgy hauteur" but considered the choice to film in English a "major flaw."

• Sortiraparis.com: Felt the film "lacks integrity" despite its restless direction and Whishaw's performance, suggesting it focuses too much on inconsequential details.

• The Playlist: Called it an "Electric 'Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie'" and a "Radical Biopic."

• Movies We Texted About: Found it a "Biopic Gone Wrong," citing weaknesses in the script and pacing and a lack of clarity on Limonov's political ideas.

• The Moveable Fest: Described it as an "Electric 'Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie'" that "infuses a personal charge into this lively bio of Russian dissident."

Overall Summary: Critics are largely in agreement about the strength of Ben Whishaw's performance and Kirill Serebrennikov's distinctive directorial style, which brings a punk energy to the film. However, opinions diverge on the film's narrative structure, with some finding it effectively chaotic and others seeing it as uneven and lacking focus, particularly in its exploration of Limonov's political dimension. The use of English dialogue has also been a point of contention.

Box Office:

"Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie" has an international box office gross of over $379,000 based on available data. Notable international grosses include Italy ($259,576), France ($96,872), Romania ($13,995), Spain ($5,041), Bulgaria ($2,239), and Hungary ($2,039). Domestic box office information is not available.

Production:

The film is an international co-production with Italy, France, and Spain being the primary production countries. Filming took place in locations such as New York City and Riga, Latvia, to represent the various stages of Limonov's life. The production process was lengthy, with development dating back several years. The final film has a runtime of 138 minutes.

Production Companies:

• Wildside (Italy)

• Chapter 2 (France)

• Fremantle Spain (Spain)

• France 3 Cinéma (France)

• Hype Studios

• Pathé Films (France)

• Vision Distribution (Italy)

• FremantleMedia Italia (Italy)

• Logical Pictures - Logical Content Ventures

• Forma Pro Films

• Sky

Sales Companies:

• Pathé International (France)

• Vision Distribution (Italy)

Distribution Companies:

• Pathé (France)

• Vision Distribution (Italy)

• Filmin (Spain)

Theatrical Release:

The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024. It was subsequently released theatrically in various countries, including Italy (September 5, 2024), France (December 4, 2024), Spain (February 21, 2025), Latvia (September 25, 2024), South Korea (October 3, 2024), and Bulgaria (October 11, 2024).

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• A Standout Central Performance: Ben Whishaw's portrayal of Limonov is widely acclaimed and offers a compelling reason to see the film, capturing the essence of a complex and controversial figure.

• Innovative Filmmaking: Kirill Serebrennikov's bold and unconventional directorial style provides a refreshing and visually exciting approach to the biographical genre.

• Exploration of a Singular Life: Eduard Limonov's life story is unique and provides a fascinating glimpse into the intersections of art, politics, and personal rebellion across different cultures and historical periods.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: The film delves into weighty themes such as identity, the role of the artist, and political radicalism, prompting viewers to consider complex questions.

Why to Watch Movie:

• For Fans of Unconventional Biopics: If you appreciate films that experiment with narrative and style to tell a life story, this film offers a distinct approach.

• To See Ben Whishaw in a Demanding Role: Whishaw's performance is a major highlight and demonstrates his range as an actor.

• Interest in Eduard Limonov: For those curious about the life and legacy of this controversial figure, the film provides a vivid, albeit interpretative, look at his journey.

• Appreciation for Kirill Serebrennikov's Work: Viewers familiar with Serebrennikov's previous films will likely recognize and appreciate his signature style.

What Movie Trend film is following:

The film aligns with the trend of unconventional and experimental biopics. This trend moves away from standard chronological narratives to explore the subject's life through fragmented structures, stylistic flourishes, and subjective perspectives, aiming to capture the essence and impact of the individual rather than just recounting events.

What Big Social Trend is following:

The film taps into the social trend of examining controversial public figures and the complexities of identity in a rapidly changing world. In an era marked by political polarization and the rise of figures who challenge traditional norms, there is a growing interest in understanding the motivations and trajectories of individuals who operate outside the mainstream and often court controversy.

Final Verdict:

"Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie" is an energetic and artistically ambitious film that largely succeeds in capturing the tumultuous spirit of its subject, thanks in no small part to Ben Whishaw's captivating performance and Kirill Serebrennikov's distinctive direction. While its unconventional structure may prove challenging for some viewers and its treatment of Limonov's political life has drawn criticism for a perceived lack of depth, the film remains a compelling and thought-provoking portrait of a truly singular figure. It is a film that is likely to spark discussion and is a worthwhile watch for those interested in bold filmmaking and complex characters.

Recommendations for Filmmakers:

• Prioritize Authentic Casting: Selecting actors who can deeply understand and embody the nuances of complex real-life characters is crucial for creating believable and impactful portrayals.

• Embrace Stylistic Innovation When Appropriate: For subjects whose lives defy conventional narratives, consider employing non-linear structures, striking visuals, and experimental techniques to better reflect their essence.

• Engage with Controversial Subjects Thoughtfully: While portraying controversial figures, strive for a level of nuance that encourages the audience to think critically rather than simply judge, even if a definitive stance is not taken.

• Leverage International Collaboration: Co-productions can provide access to a wider range of resources, talent, and perspectives, enriching the filmmaking process and the final product.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Diverse Storytelling: Encourage and invest in films that explore the lives of complex and unconventional individuals from various cultural and political backgrounds.

• Champion Artistic Vision: Provide platforms and resources for directors with distinct artistic voices who are willing to take risks and push the boundaries of cinematic form.

• Recognize the Value of Film Festivals: Continue to support film festivals as crucial platforms for launching and gaining recognition for independent and art-house films, which may not have immediate mainstream appeal.

• Adapt Acclaimed Literary Works: Source material like Emmanuel Carrère's novel can provide rich and compelling narratives for cinematic adaptation, offering depth and complexity.

Final Conclusions:

"Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie" stands as a vibrant and provocative cinematic exploration of a figure who embodied contradiction and rebellion. The film's success lies in its willingness to embrace the chaotic nature of Limonov's life through its form and in Ben Whishaw's powerful performance. While critical opinions are divided on certain aspects, the film serves as a reminder of the power of unconventional storytelling and the enduring fascination with individuals who challenge the status quo. It highlights the potential of international co-productions and the importance of supporting directorial vision in bringing complex narratives to the screen.