For me, as a lifelong devotee of this seminal and unique work of world literature, this was quite painful to watch. I could accept the somewhat courageous interpretation of the story, if it wasn't so brashly ambitious yet inconsistent in execution. A few brilliant moments are dulled down by lacklustre characters and frenzied, but unimaginative scriptwriting, which feels more and more tired and botched-up with each frame at the end. Some of the rearrangements and alterations in the plot seem unjustified if not utterly baffling. The over-the-top, grandiose, phantasmagoric setting and kitschy design is obviously intended as some sort of social critique of the Russian history and maybe current state of affairs, but frankly this obviousness teeters on the verge of banality and dilettantism. Meanwhile the most colourful and personable characters at the heart of the story are inexplicably flattened out to mere caricatures without any voice or flavour, and some are omitted entirely. Sadly, it stomps out much of the charm, ingenuity and delectable complexity of the Bulgakov's original work which, to be fair, has been notoriously resistant at numerous attempts to be put on the big screen or stage.
Overall, this is another disappointing try, perhaps only remarkable for the audacity to be made in this day and age. Yet, all the pomp and fizz of the production does not repay the subtlety that was lost in the process. If you've read the book, you won't loose out never watching this. If you have not, this can ruin the experience if you finally decide to read it.
Overall, this is another disappointing try, perhaps only remarkable for the audacity to be made in this day and age. Yet, all the pomp and fizz of the production does not repay the subtlety that was lost in the process. If you've read the book, you won't loose out never watching this. If you have not, this can ruin the experience if you finally decide to read it.