Directed by:
Paul MazurskyCinematography:
Donald McAlpineComposer:
David McHughCast:
Robin Williams, Maria Conchita Alonso, Alejandro Rey, Elya Baskin, Lyman Ward, Paul Mazursky, Udo Kier, Ivo Vrzal-Wiegand, Frederick Strother, Kim Chan (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
Circus saxophonist Vladimir Ivanoff (Williams) suddenly defects from his touring troupe in that "temple of Western decadence" - Bloomingdale's. Fleeing the K.G.B., Vladimir wins asylum and moves into the crowded Harlem flat of black security guard Lionel Witherspoon (Cleavant Derricks). Soon he has found both a voluptuous Italian lover Lucia Lombardo (Maria Conchita Alonso), and a shrewd Cuban lawyer Orlando Ramirez (Alejandro Rey). Though Vladimir learns that life in America can be cold and even painful, he grows to love this strange and wondrous new land. Director Paul Mazursky has truly transformed Vladimir's declaration of independence into a very memorable film. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (1)
I thought it would be very American, but it's more independent. The difference between America and the USSR at that time is clear, but it's not exaggerated in any way. There are problems in the USA too, although they're not emphasized as much here. The overall tone of the film is very pleasant, mainly thanks to the great performance by Robin Williams, who gave his character everything he could. Some of the jokes are enjoyable but not exaggerated, and the dramatic level is equally balanced.
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