Reds (1981)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 195 Minutes

Rated: PG

Genre:  Biography, Drama, History

Director: Warren Beatty

Starring: Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Edward Hermann, Jerzy Kosinski, Paul Sorvino, Maureen Stapleton

IMDB Rank: 7.3/10

Part 1 Time:  107 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  88 Minutes

Where does the first part end? A montage of events displaying the start of the Russian Civil War of 1918, among those highlighted is Vladimir Lenin speaking about workers rights during a Bolshevik (Reds) rally. The scene ends with a silhouette of John Reed (Warren Beatty) and Louise Braynt (Diane Keaton) embracing one another.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: No dialogue, ‘The Internationale’ anthem of the Bolshevik Party of Soviet Russia plays in the background.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Then comrades come rally, and the last fight let us raise the Internationale, that unites the humans race,” witness sings.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal/Somewhat, Russia is currently in the mists of a revolution in which, Bolsheviks are establishing control and beginning to implement communist ideals. John and Louise have both succeeded in covering the events of the revolution through their writings, while at the same time rekindling their relationship. Everything seems promising for John and Louise or is it?

Which part is better?  Part one, establishes John and Louise’s relationship and their early involvement with radical thinking and writing. Both characters want to establish change in society viewing radical ideas as a way to better society. In part two, John and Louise are confronted with negative effects brought on by radical thinking. Part two is better as both characters begin to challenge their personal beliefs about communist ideals due to the experiences they begin to face.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress (Maureen Stapleton), Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Picture (Nominated), Best Leading Actor (Nominated-Warren Beatty), Best Leading Actress (Nominated-Diane Keaton), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Jack Nicholson), Best Writing- Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Nominated), Best Art Direction- Set Decoration (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated).