Battleship Potemkin vs. Chapaev

Both Eisensteins' Potemkin and the Vasilev Brothers' Chapaev depict battles fought for the cause of the Revolution; however, through their presentation one became a hidden gem, while the other brought blockbuster success. The idea of communism is strongly backed by both films. Battleship Potemkin presents a microcosm of Revolutionary Russia through its battleship, the ideal scenario is played out through its sailors (workers) and officers (burgouise). Chapeav on the other hand, presents us with the specific scenario of a Red's regiment. This relationship of specific vs. general presentation is really what separates these two movies. Potemkin is merely a metaphor for an idea, most characters have no names, merely used to portray their group identity. Even the hero of this revolution is used less as an icon, and more as propaganda for the cause. (Said to be killed for "a cup of borsch") Chapaev on the other hand creates a much more personal environment. The hero still dies for the cause of the Revolution; however, we see him idolized throughout the movie. The soldiers under his command also stand individually with subplots of a love interest, a killed brother, and camaraderie. Both movies carry the same Revolutionary message; however, where one merely presents this idea, the other gives you a specific event and tries to instill this idea. In my opinion, this difference really coincides with the movie's initial reception, instead of being presented an idea, moviegoers enjoyed a story that underneath gave the same message of Revolution.