The Killers

In Soviet Union during the late 1950s, Andrei Tarkovsky, an aspiring filmmaker and student at the prestigious State Institute of Cinematography, collaborated with his classmates Marika Beiku and Aleksandr Gordon to adapt Ernest Hemingway's gripping short story "The Killers" for the screen. This early work by Tarkovsky showcases a young director already demonstrating his mastery over visual storytelling. The film captures the essence of Hemingway's original narrative, following a group of criminals as they execute a seemingly routine heist. But things take an unexpected turn when one member of the gang begins to question their motives and loyalties. With its compelling characters and taut pacing, this student-made film provides a fascinating window into Tarkovsky's artistic beginnings, offering a glimpse of the genius that would define his illustrious career in cinema.