Memory of Betraition: The Image of a Collaborationist in Post-War Soviet Cinema

Abstract

Introduction. Researchers have studied manifestations of collaborationism of Soviet citizens during the Great Patriotic War quite well, however, the problem of the perception of collaborators in the postwar period needs additional coverage. Of particular interest is the reflection of this topic in art cinema, which was one of the most important means of propaganda. Methods and materials. The basis of the study was a systematic approach. Historical-genetic and historical-comparative methods were applied, in addition, content analysis was used to identify characteristic characters, images, ideas in films. The study was carried out on the basis of published materials, as well as archival files, which make it possible to compare the motivation of collaborators during the Great Patriotic War with its representation in Soviet cinema. Analysis. The study of the evolution of the coverage of the Great Patriotic War and related events in cinema made it possible to identify the main genre and stylistic devices used to demonstrate the place and role of collaborators. Through the analysis of the motivation of collaborators based on the protocols of their interrogations and investigative cases, as well as the consideration of their behavior in feature films, the functions of this topic in the Soviet propaganda discourse were determined. Results. The study of the methods and forms of demonstration of collaborationism showed this problem was reflected in Soviet cinema throughout the entire post-war period. Cooperation with the Germans was explained by several reasons: nationalist motives, hatred of the Soviet regime, cowardice or a desire to save one’s own life, or pathological manifestations up to mental illness. Authors’ contribution. O.V. Romanko proposed the concept of the article, supervised the research, studied the sources and historiography of the problem, and edited the final text of the paper. E.V. Prosolova carried out analytical work on the analysis of sources, systematization and classification of the image of a collaborator in Soviet cinema, designed the text of the article.