Torn Boots (1934)

Working with children led Barskaya to create superb direct sound and an inspired style of shooting Dont look for conventional cinematic syntax here The film is chaotic in the way that Soviet films still knew how to be and Langlois couldnt help but be seduced by its rebellious spirit its anarchy and love of children comparable to Vigos Zero de conduite As well as being a film made with and for children it offers a complex take on Western society PreNazi Germany is not named as such but is carefully reconstructed possibly under advice from Karl Radek and children offer a playful reflection of class struggle doubly excluded as proletarians and as minors They play in the same way that they live one intertitle says The interaction between their comical games and the yet more ludicrous ones played by adults is developed on several levels