In the film «Office Romance», urban locations become not just a backdrop but full participants in the action. Moscow of the 1970s, with its recognizable streets and buildings, creates a unique atmosphere of the era. The choice of locations in the film is not accidental. They not only create the atmosphere but also help reveal the characters' personalities and relationships. They become important elements of the plot that help the viewer better understand what is happening.

 

Filming Locations:

Novoseltsev's House

In the Film

The scene where we see Anatoly Efremovich Novoseltsev, played by Andrei Myagkov, hurrying to work. He walks through the arch of a multi-story building, typical of mass housing construction in the 1960s–1970s. The building's exterior and the surrounding environment create the atmosphere of everyday life for a Soviet person of that time. Novoseltsev is dressed in a modest coat and carries a briefcase. His gait is hurried but slightly clumsy. The hero heads to a public transport stop to catch a bus. Music plays in the background, setting the mood for the scene.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in a typical Soviet urban development of the 1970s. This was done intentionally to create the atmosphere of everyday life and convey the spirit of the time. The frame shows an ordinary multi-story building with an arch through which hundreds of people pass daily. Such houses were common throughout the Soviet Union and became a symbol of the era. It was in this setting that the main character Anatoly Efremovich Novoseltsev lived, hurrying to work. This location is ideal for the scene as it immediately immerses the viewer in the world of the main character and creates the atmosphere of that time. In 2014, a fire occurred in the building, but now the two-story house looks like it did in the 1970s. "

Samokhvalov's House

In the Film

The scene where Samokhvalov's house in the film «Office Romance» is a place where the characters meet and communicate in an informal setting. Here the viewer can see how the characters' personalities and relationships unfold. In one scene, Novoseltsev visits Samokhvalov. They sit at a table, drink cognac, and talk about life. At this moment, the viewer learns more about Samokhvalov's character, his views on life, and his attitude towards others. Samokhvalov demonstrates his confidence and success, while Novoseltsev appears modest and slightly confused. This scene helps to better understand the relationship between the characters and reveals some plot lines of the film.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in an ordinary residential building at 9 Tverskaya Street (then Gorky Street). The house was built in 1949. It was exclusively inhabited by high-ranking people or representatives of the Soviet elite, for example, Minister of Culture Furtseva, architect Vlasov, director Sergei Bondarchuk, as well as many academics and scientists. The fact that Samokhvalov lives in this house indicates that he is a high-flyer.

Statistical Institution

In the Film

The scene where Kalugina cries on the roof and Novoseltsev comforts her is one of the most emotional in the film. After an unsuccessful conversation with Novoseltsev, Kalugina feels empty and upset. She goes to the roof to be alone, but Novoseltsev follows her. He sees her tears and realizes that she needs support. Novoseltsev gently addresses Kalugina, trying to calm her down. He speaks words of support and confesses his feelings. Kalugina is initially embarrassed and confused, but gradually begins to open up to him. At this moment, the viewer sees the walls between colleagues crumble and new relationships emerge.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at three different locations in Moscow: on Kuznetsky Most and on the roof of Bolshoy Gnezdnikovsky Lane. These locations were chosen for filming scenes of «Office Romance» because they matched the atmosphere and spirit of that time, and also created the desired visual image. The rooftop location was chosen not by chance, because it is here that Novoseltsev reveals himself to Kalugina from an unexpected side. The open space symbolizes freedom and sincerity of feelings, and also allows the characters to be more open with each other. In addition, the view of evening Moscow adds romance to the scene and emphasizes the beauty of the moment.