Making of Que Viva Mexico! Sergei Eisenstein & U. Sinclair by H M Geduld

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Sergei Eisenstein and Upton Sinclair: The Making and Unmaking of Que Viva Mexico!.

 Format: This is a meticulously compiled volume of primary documents, including letters, telegrams, contracts, and personal correspondence between the major figures involved.

What is it About?

The book chronicles the turbulent, visionary, and ultimately disastrous partnership between legendary Soviet vanguard filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein and American socialist novelist Upton Sinclair.

In 1930, Eisenstein traveled to Mexico to film an epic, episodic motion picture "symphony" capturing Mexican history, culture, and traditions, tentatively titled ¡Que Viva México!. Sinclair and a group of investors agreed to act as the primary financiers for the project.

However, the production quickly spiraled out of control due to:

• Severe budget overruns and endless scheduling delays.

• Deep artistic and ideological clashes between Eisenstein's unyielding creative vision and Sinclair's mounting financial anxieties.

• Accusations and intense political pressure from both American capitalists and Soviet authorities.

After Eisenstein shot over 30 hours of raw footage, Sinclair entirely withdrew financial backing, leaving the film unfinished and in limbo. Eisenstein was never allowed to edit his masterwork, and the tragic fallout permanently scarred his career and impacted the reputations of both men