Constructing the image of the past in movies: case study of Russian TV series “А hoodlum’s promise”

The article examines the problem of historical accuracy in cinema on the example of the popular Russian TV series “A hoodlum’s promise - blood on the asphalt”. In the context of the popularity of movies covering real historical events, the author gives a sociological interpretation of the artistic techniques used in the series aimed at constructing the image of the past. Based on their analysis, the authors identify the criteria that allow us to judge the plausibility and correspondence of the image of the past embodied in the film to the historical reality. These include: 1) the degree of authenticity of reconstruction of material culture of a particular time period; 2) authentic representation of mentality of a particular time period; and 3) filmmaker’s understanding and interpretation of historical processes, events, etc. It is emphasized that the modern trend is to move away from documentary authenticity in historical films, but it is also stressed that the key importance in this regard is the author’s intention, in some cases designed to convey to the viewer a certain social idea expressed by the skill of filmmakers.