Moscow on the Hudson

Robin Williams starred in his fourth movie in 1984. Directed by Paul Mazursky, Moscow on the Hudson also started Maria Conchita Alonso, Elya Baskin, Savely Kramarov, Alejandro Rey, and Cleavant Derricks. The film grossed $25 million and had a lawsuit filed against the poster by Saul Steinberg, alleging that it infringed the copyright in his The New Yorker cover, “View of the World from 9^th Avenue.”

Vladimir Ivanoff (Williams) is a saxophonist with the Moscow circus whose friend, Anatoly Cherkasov (Baskin) is the circus clown and is discontent with his life in Russia. On the circus’ trip to New York, Cherkasov attempts to defect, but is unable. However, Ivanoff is successful and must begin a new life as an immigrant defector in New York City.

Moscow on the Hudson is a very interesting movie that shows the upside and downside to immigrating to America. It also shows the talent of Williams, who learned saxophone and conversational Russian just to make the film more believable.

The film has good juxtaposition on the positives and negatives of defecting from another country, receiving political asylum and becoming a citizen. On one hand, Ivanoff can say and do what he wants within legal reason. But on the other hand, it shows just how much shock someone not used to the amount of choices can have, such as when he collapses in a supermarket because of the selection of coffee. In the end, he realizes that America wasn’t everything he made it out to be, but it’s still better than Russia. It’s a strange and wonderful country.

It also showcases Williams’ talent. At the time, he wasn’t known for his range of acting, just for being a zany comedian who was quick with the improvised joke. But here, he demonstrates just how prepared he can get for his role in his ability to learn Russian and the saxophone for the sake of the script.

The film is a little rough around the edges and can’t really be called a great film, but Moscow on the Hudson is one of those that is able to stand out.