Sergei Eisenstein

The Battleship Potemkin and the Rise to International Fame (1925)

This timeline focuses on the creation and impact of Eisenstein's most iconic film, "Battleship Potemkin", which catapulted him to international recognition and solidified his reputation as a cinematic innovator.

Commissioned to make a film for the 20th anniversary of the 1905 Revolution

1925

Eisenstein is commissioned to create a film commemorating the 1905 Revolution. Initially intended to cover multiple events, the focus eventually narrows to the mutiny on the Battleship Potemkin in Odessa.

Filming of "Battleship Potemkin"

1925

Eisenstein directs "Battleship Potemkin", employing his signature montage techniques to create a visceral and emotionally charged depiction of the mutiny. The film features the iconic Odessa Steps sequence, a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling.

Premiere of "Battleship Potemkin"

1925

The film premieres in Moscow and receives immediate acclaim. Its powerful imagery and revolutionary message resonate with audiences both within the Soviet Union and internationally.

International Acclaim and Censorship

1925-Present

"Battleship Potemkin" is hailed as a masterpiece of cinema and a landmark achievement in filmmaking. It receives widespread distribution and earns Eisenstein international recognition. However, it is also banned or censored in several countries due to its revolutionary content and perceived subversive message. The Odessa Steps sequence becomes one of the most famous and influential scenes in film history, imitated and referenced countless times.