The Fool (2014): What is wrong with Russia?

The Fool (Russian: Дурак, romanized: Durak) is a 2014 Russian crime drama film written and directed by Yuri Bykov. The film had its international premiere at the 2014 Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland, where it earned the Best Actor Award for Artyom Bystrov.

This marks the third feature film by writer-director Yuri Bykov, who is known for his incisive social critiques and gritty realism. The Fool is a powerful and unflinching melodrama that explores the tragic collision of individual morality with systemic corruption. The story follows Dima Nikitin, a lowly building inspector who discovers that a dilapidated apartment block is on the verge of collapse. Risking everything, he attempts to alert the authorities and evacuate the residents, only to encounter a wall of bureaucratic indifference, political self-interest, and societal apathy.

Bykov uses Dima’s futile struggle as a microcosm of broader societal issues, highlighting the pervasive corruption and moral decay within post-Soviet Russia. The film’s title, The Fool, is deeply symbolic, referring not only to Dima’s perceived naivety but also to the societal tendency to dismiss and marginalize those who challenge the status quo. Through its stark cinematography, tense pacing, and raw performances, the film creates a sense of urgency and despair, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about responsibility, justice, and the cost of inaction.

Upon its release, The Fool received widespread critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and unrelenting social commentary. Critics praised Bykov’s ability to balance personal drama with broader political critique, making the film both emotionally resonant and intellectually provocative. The film’s tragic conclusion serves as a sobering reminder of the limits of individual heroism in the face of systemic dysfunction, solidifying Bykov’s reputation as one of Russia’s most compelling contemporary filmmakers.

For the discussion, please watch the movie in advance, available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVB4tvqbM2s