Burnt by the Sun : SPOILER: The Lost Driver

SPOILER: The Lost Driver

The lost driver (played by Avangard Leontyev) intrigued me from the start. What was his role in the film? How would he influence the actions of others?

After watching the film and thinking about him, I have come to see him and his situation as symbolic.

IMHO, he and his truck represented the ideals of the Soviet Union, the promise of the delivery of a new future (the furniture on the truck). However, he has lost his way due to factors outside of his control (his wife washing his shirt with the address).

He is still intent on delivering what was promised (the Workers' Paradise) but cannot work out how to get there.

He asks for help, from a range of people farmers, families, soldiers.

No-one can help him, because unlike him they have lost sight of the goal(s) of the Soviet Union. They no longer know where they are supposed to be heading, and in fact may be heading in a completely different direction. They have their lives and their jobs, and do not wish to be disturbed by someone pointing out that they have forgotten where they are supposed to be.

The last people he asks for assistance from are the NKVD. They, as agents of the Stalin, no longer want anyone challenging the direction of the Soviet Union. The people have arrived where Stalin wants them to be. Anyone suggesting otherwise is an enemy of the state and must be destroyed. Anyone who knows that the Revolution has lost its way must be eliminated. So the driver is killed.

Any complementary / contrary thoughts?

Re: SPOILER: The Lost Driver

Wow! Bravo! I loved your insight on this symbolism!

Re: SPOILER: The Lost Driver

your interpretation is good
and it works

another one too,
though both can be correct at the same time

in stalins Udssr if something didnt work
it was always the work of sabotage.
so not delivering was also an act of sabotage.

though we believe him, that his wife washed the sheet with the adress
the security police didnt and killed him because of sabotage.
(dialogue after the murder)

though - as i ve said before - both can be correct at the same time.
mine is more straight
yours deeper and more abstract thinking

Re: SPOILER: The Lost Driver

I think you pretty much nailed it.
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