Tarkovsky’s Diploma Film “The Steamroller and the Violin”

Каток и Скрипка (The Steamroller and the Violin) is Andrei Tarkovsky's diploma film at the State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) but was made at the Mosfilm studio at the production unit for children's films. With this film, Tarkovsky earned “отличный” (the grade of excellent), the highest possible distinction.

The screen play was written by Tarkovsky and Andron Konchalovsky. They worked on the script for more than 6 months, because Tarkovsky wanted to show the mood and atmosphere of the scene rather that the history of usual conflicts between children.

Tarkovsky cameraman, Vadim Yusov, will work on two other films: Ivan's childhood and Andrei Rublev.

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The plot

Sasha, a seven years old boy is playing the violin and it makes him unpopular to the other children of the yard. So every morning, when he has to go out, he needs to find some ways to avoid them. One day, he is lucky to meet Serguei a steamroller. They meet again later and become friends.

The Steamroller and the Violin is Andrei Tarkovsky is diploma film at the State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) but was made at the Mosfilm studio at the production unit for children films