25 January 2014
The film starts off by showing how even though prostitution was not illegal in the 1980s, the “caring” Russian government still wanted to get prostitutes off the streets, arresting them for possession of foreign currency and even hooliganism. This is ironic because during this glasnost period, Russian citizens were encouraged to embrace other western cultures. At the time, the government seemed to just be one big contradiction. Workers were supposed to feel liberated with a capitalist system but instead were feeling oppressed because they did not make enough from their salary. They did not know how to compete in a market economy.
So, many women at the time sold themselves to get by. The main character, Tanya, having been raised in this market economy knows an opportunity when she sees one. When a Swede, Edward, asks her hand in marriage, she eagerly agrees, seeing it as the ultimate sale. She is happy at first, cashing in her “check” for nice clothes and a car.” Though she starts to realize that nothing comes without a price and yearns to return to Russia. However, there is too much opposing force. Her husband will not let her go and neither will the Russian government.
I believe that the director was opposed to a market economy. He was saying that (Just like Tanya traded in countries) once we shift our economy, there is no going back (It was literally impossible for Tanya to go back, and she died trying).
He is also saying that to succeed in a free market economy, you have to sell your soul (Just like Tanya sold herself permanently) just to succeed. Most importantly, though, that success is a big lie, anyway. It is a poisonous system that leaves you wanting more, never satisfied and turns you against your brothers (as the communists used to refer to each other).
The actions of the individuals in this new economy will bring shame to the whole country and its reputation (Just like Tanya’s mother was shamed) and eventually that shame will kill off any dignity the country has left (like when the mother commits suicide).
Basically, the director was trying to show us the consequences of this new economy.
