The film Bakenbardy was shot in Saint Petersburg due to its cultural significance and photogenic qualities. Petersburg is a symbol of Russian culture, which perfectly matched the film's theme related to Pushkin and cultural revival. Additionally, filming at Lenfilm allowed the use of local resources and infrastructure, which was convenient and cost-effective for director Yuri Mamin. The choice of city also made it possible to create a contrast between cultural heritage and the chaos depicted in the film.

Filming Locations:

Kazan Cathedral

In the Film

Scene where The main character Viktor, playing the role of the leader of the Pushkinists, who inspires his followers to action under the banner of Pushkin, approaches the cathedral and begins to recite the poem "The Prophet." A crowd gathers around him, but within a couple of minutes, he is detained by the police.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at this location because of its cultural significance and symbolic meaning. The cathedral serves as a backdrop, emphasizing the idea that culture and literature can inspire people, even in a chaotic environment. The visual appeal of the cathedral also adds contrast between the beauty of architecture and the chaos caused by Viktor and his followers. Viktor's detention by the police after reciting the poem symbolizes the tension between cultural ideals and authority.

Arrival in Zaborsk

In the Film

Scene where The main characters, Viktor and Alexander, arrive in the town of Zaborsk. They are greeted by eccentric punks from the "Capella" group and jocks from the "Tusks" gang. They immediately attract attention with their unusual costumes and sideburns, arousing interest and mockery from the local youth. Despite such a reception, the main characters continue their journey into the city to show everyone the power of Pushkin's word.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the port of Ostashkov, chosen for its provincial appearance, which perfectly matched the atmosphere of the fictional town of Zaborsk. This choice allowed for a contrast between the cultural ideals of the main characters and the realities of provincial life. The port of Ostashkov provided the necessary backdrop for the arrival scene, adding authenticity and visual appeal to the film. The location was also chosen for its accessibility and convenience for the film crew.

Parade of the "Capella" Punks

In the Film

Scene where "In the scene from the film 'Bakenbardy,' the punks from 'Capella' put on a provocative show on the street, demonstrating their energy and protest. They dance and march with a large red cross, attracting the attention of passersby and creating an atmosphere of tension. One of the punks, pretending to be a soldier, shoots a machine gun in their direction, and they suddenly fall to the ground, pretending to be dead. However, when the punks notice the police, the situation changes dramatically. They begin to move chaotically, emphasizing the absurdity of what is happening. This scene becomes a symbol of chaos in the city and reflects the characters' willingness to use provocative actions to draw attention to their ideas. The scene illustrates the conflict between youth culture and the authorities, showing how the punks try to express their views through eccentric and risky actions. Their actions become a metaphor for the struggle for freedom of expression under social pressure. Thus, this episodic scene not only entertains the viewer but also makes one think about deeper social and political issues. It demonstrates how art can serve as a form of protest and a way to draw attention to important societal problems."

In Reality

The scene was filmed "The scene with the punks from 'Capella,' filmed on Suvorovsky Prospekt in Saint Petersburg, was chosen not by chance. This location symbolizes the transitional period in Russian society in the late 1980s, when youth subcultures began to actively express themselves. Suvorovsky Prospekt, as an important transport artery of the city, became an ideal backdrop for demonstrating protest sentiments and eccentric behavior of the characters, which enhances the atmosphere of chaos and absurdity. Furthermore, the location is well-suited for creating a contrast between everyday city life and the provocative actions of the punks. Street performances against the backdrop of ordinary passersby emphasize the gap between traditional values and new ideas. This creates an element of surprise and draws attention to the social criticism that the film seeks to convey, making the scene memorable and significant in the context of the overall plot."