While the premise for Russian filmmaker Mikhail Kalatozov’s Letter Never Sent is fairly simple, it’s a human one that individuals with personal ambitions and desires can likely relate to on some level. Sabinin (Innokenti Smoktunovsky), the leader of the expedition, is an even keeled fellow. His ongoing letter to his wife (Galina Kozhakina) gives the film its title. He begins writing the letter on the plane but rather than send it back with the flight crew, he keeps it. As a result, what was once a simple letter turns into a record of the expedition. Geologists Tanya (Tatyana Samojlova) and Andrei (Vasili Livanov), deeply in love, are hoping to start a family upon their return to Moscow. The guide for the trip, Sergei (Yevgeny Urbansky), has recently realized he has feelings for Tanya.
Tanya is aware of Sergei’s feelings, as is Sabinin, who acts as a calming presence. Whether Andrei is aware of the situation is up to the viewer to decide. Eventually, Tanya discovers a small diamond. Having dismissed Sergei, Andrei is the first person she celebrates with. Soon enough, each man has a shot at redemption as the trip quickly turns from a chance at glory to a fight for survival.
The morning after Tanya’s diamond discovery, the team awakens to the forest on fire. Mother Earth is fighting back. She can’t let these people take her valuables. The team must take what they can, and run to safety. Finding sanctuary won’t be easy. First they must deal some of Mother Nature’s harshest elements: fire, rain and snow amid harsh terrain.
Letter Never Sent is a truly powerful film about ordinary people with a dream suddenly forced to be heroic. As the film begins, they believe that their work alone is enough to make a significant impact on the world. By the film’s midpoint, they come to realize their work might cost them their lives. Given that, they must come to terms with whether they have the confidence and drive to do whatever it takes to save their lives for themselves.
Lensed by cinematographer Sergei Urusevsky, who also collaborated with Kalatozov on The Cranes Are Flying and I Am Cuba, the camera in Letter Never Sent almost acts as its own character. Constantly moving with the actors, the camera observes everything, capturing emotions the moment they become visible. The nature photography is particularly stunning, as the film literally transports the viewer to Siberia.
Presented in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio, Criterion’s 1080p transfer is absolutely stunning. The image, devoid of blemishes, shows remarkable detail. The black-and-white photography exhibits wonderful, clean whites and solid darks. The background and foreground are easily divided, which adds to the film’s sense of realism. This is yet another terrific transfer from The Criterion Collection.
The original Russian soundtrack is mixed as an uncompressed monaural audio track, and it is also top notch. Dialogue sounds clear, and there is no hiss nor any glitches or odd tones. The optional English subtitles are easy to read.
Special features are limited to the following:
- Booklet: an illustrated booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Dina Iordanova.
