Dr Chivago (1965)

Introduction

Doctor Zhivago is a sweeping, emotionally charged epic that remains one of the defining films of the 1960s. Directed by the legendary David Lean—whose previous works like Lawrence of Arabia had already cemented his place as one of the greatest filmmakers—this film stands as a cinematic triumph that combines political drama, historical epic, and passionate romance into one grand narrative.

The film is based on the 1957 novel by Boris Pasternak, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, though Pasternak’s work was banned in the Soviet Union due to its criticism of the Russian Revolution and the Stalinist regime. The novel’s sweeping portrayal of love, loss, and the impact of historical forces on individual lives was adapted for the screen by Robert Bolt, with an unforgettable score by Maurice Jarre.

Though the film is set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, the personal story of Yuri Zhivago, a sensitive and brilliant doctor/poet, and his complicated relationships with Lara Antipova and Tonya Gromeko, is the emotional core that drives the narrative. Doctor Zhivago is much more than just a historical chronicle; it is a timeless story about love, fate, and the human spirit.

Plot Summary (Spoilers Ahead)

Doctor Zhivago begins in pre-revolutionary Russia, where Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), the son of a wealthy family, is orphaned at a young age. He is taken in by the Gromeko family, where he grows up alongside Tonya Gromeko (Geraldine Chaplin), and the two eventually fall in love and marry. However, his life is irrevocably changed when he meets Lara Antipova (Julie Christie), a passionate and beautiful woman whose life is intertwined with the social upheavals surrounding the Russian Revolution.

Yuri and Lara’s romance develops amidst the chaos of World War I and the Russian Revolution, which disrupts their lives and the lives of everyone around them. Yuri, who becomes a doctor and poet, is forced to endure the brutality of war and revolution, and he finds himself torn between his loyalty to his family and his deep, uncontrollable love for Lara.

Meanwhile, Lara is married to Pasha Antipov (Tom Courtenay), a revolutionary who transforms into the ruthless Strelnikov, a leader in the Red Army. The tension between personal desires and the political realities of the time complicates every aspect of their relationship.

As the revolution continues to unfold, Yuri and Lara are separated, and they face numerous hardships that test their love, resilience, and their will to survive. Their bond is never truly broken, but their lives take unexpected and tragic turns, culminating in a bittersweet conclusion that underscores the harshness of the times and the inevitability of fate.

At the heart of the narrative is the conflict between individual desire and historical forces, with the lives of the characters constantly shaped by the revolutionary movements that sweep through Russia. The film ends with a poignant moment that reflects the theme of lost opportunities and the persistent ache of love that cannot be fully realized.

Themes and Analysis

Love and Fate

At its core, Doctor Zhivago is a story of forbidden love, of two individuals who find themselves caught in the turbulent currents of history. Yuri and Lara’s love is destined to be tragic, not just because of their personal circumstances but because the revolution itself forces them to confront the futility of their desires in a world that seems determined to pull them apart.

Yuri and Lara’s love affair, though deeply passionate, is always marked by separation.

Whether due to war, revolution, or fate, they are repeatedly forced to part ways, and the film explores how love endures despite the barriers that society, politics, and circumstances impose. Their relationship is central to the film’s emotional impact, with the audience constantly yearning for them to find happiness together, even as they are thwarted by the forces beyond their control.

The theme of fate is also prominent in the film. The characters are often helpless in the face of the overwhelming tides of history. They seem powerless to change their paths, as they are swept along by the revolution and the forces of war. This fatalism is reflected in the recurring motif of time and memory, with Yuri's poems and the film’s structure emphasizing the cyclical nature of their lives and their inability to escape the past.

The Impact of Revolution

The Russian Revolution and its aftermath form the backdrop to the personal story of Yuri and Lara. The film delves deeply into how political upheaval affects individuals, even those who are not directly involved in the struggle for power. The revolution, with its promise of freedom and justice, is portrayed in both idealistic and devastating terms. On the one hand, it offers the hope of a better future for the downtrodden masses, but on the other, it leads to great suffering, repression, and destruction.

Yuri, a man of intellect and artistic sensitivity, is caught in the crossfire between his personal life and the larger political forces. He is torn between his loyalty to his wife, Tonya, and his love for Lara, but his decisions are also influenced by his desire to make sense of the social changes happening around him. The revolution is depicted as a cataclysmic force that shapes the characters’ destinies, stripping them of agency and reducing them to pawns in a greater political struggle.

The film's exploration of revolution is not just about the events themselves, but about their human cost—the destruction of families, relationships, and lives in the name of political ideals. The emotional toll on Yuri and Lara’s relationship is perhaps the most potent example of this, as they both endure the brutality of the times and the sacrifices they must make in the face of revolution.

Political Ideals vs. Human Desire

In contrast to the revolutionary fervour that consumes Russia, Doctor Zhivago also emphasizes the individual struggle for personal fulfilment and love. While political ideologies are important in shaping the events of the film, it is the characters’ personal desires—their longing for love, home, and peace—that take centre stage.

Lara and Yuri are, at their core, ordinary people trying to navigate extraordinary circumstances. Their love story is poignant not because of their grand gestures, but because of their vulnerability and emotional depth. Their passion for each other is constantly thwarted by the external forces of the revolution, war, and personal obligations. The juxtaposition of the grand political revolution with the intimate, personal battle between Yuri, Lara, and their loved ones creates a powerful tension in the film.

This tension also manifests in the characters’ shifting allegiances and the choices they make. Strelnikov, for example, starts as a man of idealistic convictions but is ultimately consumed by his ruthless political commitment, losing touch with his humanity. His character arc contrasts with that of Yuri, who seeks a sense of peace and emotional connection in the midst of chaos.

The Role of Memory and Art

Another crucial theme in Doctor Zhivago is the role of memory and art in preserving both personal and historical experience. Yuri’s poems, which are often recited throughout the film, serve as both a personal outlet for his emotions and a means of capturing the transient moments of his life. His poetry becomes a form of resistance against the overwhelming forces of history, allowing him to maintain a connection to his own identity and humanity.

The film’s structure itself, with flashbacks and time jumps, mirrors the fragmented nature of memory. The narrative is driven by Yuri’s recollections, which shape the audience's understanding of his life and relationships. This emphasis on memory reinforces the idea that, in the face of overwhelming historical forces, it is the personal, emotional experiences that endure.

Performances

The performances in Doctor Zhivago are extraordinary, with Omar Sharif and Julie Christie delivering some of their finest work.

Omar Sharif as Yuri Zhivago brings a quiet intensity to the role of the conflicted doctor and poet. He embodies the complexity of Yuri’s character—his sensitivity, his passion, and his internal struggle between his duty to his family and his love for Lara. Sharif’s portrayal of Yuri as a man who is torn between the world of ideals and the brutal realities of his time is deeply affecting.

Julie Christie as Lara Antipova is equally impressive, bringing depth and nuance to the character of a woman who is both a victim of her circumstances and a fierce, passionate lover. Christie’s performance is marked by a sense of emotional openness and strength, making Lara a deeply sympathetic and tragic figure.

The supporting cast, including Rod Steiger as the oppressive and ruthless Victor Komarovsky and Alec Guinness as the wise and compassionate Yuri’s father-in-law, also contribute to the film's success, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Direction and Cinematic Style

David Lean's direction is a masterclass in epic filmmaking. He combines sweeping landscapes, intimate close-ups, and grand set pieces to create a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally profound. Lean’s meticulous attention to detail, coupled with the stunning cinematography of Freddie Young, creates a world that feels vast yet deeply personal.

The film’s use of colour, lighting, and wide shots of the Russian countryside enhances the sense of grandeur and scale, while the intimate, close-up moments—particularly between Yuri and Lara—highlight the personal stakes of the story. Lean’s direction captures the emotional depth of the characters while never losing sight of the larger historical context in which their lives unfold.

Maurice Jarre’s haunting score is integral to the film’s emotional impact. The iconic main theme, with its lush orchestral arrangement, has become synonymous with the film itself. The music heightens the emotional resonance of the narrative, imbuing even the quietest moments with a sense of grandeur and significance.

Legacy and Influence

Doctor Zhivago was a major commercial success, grossing over $111 million at the box office and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Original Score. It remains one of the most influential films of the 20th century and a key example of the epic historical drama genre.

The film has continued to captivate audiences for decades with its exploration of love, political conflict, and the human spirit. Its impact can be seen in later films that explore similar themes of historical upheaval, personal struggle, and epic love stories.

Conclusion

Doctor Zhivago is an unforgettable cinematic achievement, combining emotional depth with historical drama on an epic scale. David Lean’s direction, the performances of Omar Sharif and Julie Christie, and the unforgettable score by Maurice Jarre all contribute to the film’s lasting power. At its heart, it is a poignant exploration of love, fate, and the indomitable human spirit amidst the chaos of revolution—a film that remains as moving and relevant today as it was upon its release.