Chapter I Summary and Analysis

Tarkovsky's first feature film was called Ivan's Childhood. It was based upon a short story written by Russian author Bogomolov. Tarkovsky was attracted to the story's originality and firm structure. Also, instead of the usual "happy ending," the hero, Lieutenant Galtsev, dies in the end, which Tarkovsky was struck by. He felt such an ending portrayed the monstrousness of war effectively. Tarkovsky was also impressed by the character of the young boy, Ivan, and his intense emotions.

However, the format of the story, told as a reporter, was unacceptable to Tarkovsky and against his artistic principles, so he took full creative license in transforming that aspect of the story to suit his taste. Tarkovsky is less interested in the machinations of the plot and more interested in "poetic connections" that cinema makes possible through editing. Tarkovsky wants the audience...