Resisting the Canvas of Soviet Ideology: Analysing Dissent and Despair in Albert Mkrtchyan’s ‘The Song of the Old Days’ (1982)

This article examines Albert Mkrtchyan’s Soviet Armenian film, ‘The Song of the Old Days’ (1982), within the context of resistance against prevailing Soviet ideology. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film diverges from traditional war-centric portrayals to explore the profound consequences of conflict on the inhabitants of a small Armenian town. Through deliberate scenes, it critiques the dissatisfaction with the ruling party and portrays a desperate search for meaning amid ideological despair. The film challenges the ‘Big Other,’ highlighting how individuals turn to alternative means such as religion and age-old rituals in times of despair. A satirical portrayal of a Communist Party event and the emotional resonance of a folk song serve as powerful instances where the film confronts and questions Soviet propaganda. By juxtaposing the film’s imagery with mass-produced Soviet posters, such as comparing the ‘Motherland calls!’ poster to the collective mother figure in the film, named Mother Armenia, this analysis unveils a nuanced critique of the disparity between propagated ideals and reality.