The Mark of Cain
On Russian Prison Tattoos
Alix Lambert
Microcinema
Web: http://www.microcinemadvd.com
The
Mark of Cinema is a haunting and melancholic journey into the Russian prison system.
It uses the significance of the Prison Tattoo to gain entry into the hidden
world which makes up the hierarchy of “The Zone”. By asking prisoners to show and explain their
tattoos Laverty gains access to the various structures and castes of the Russian
prison hierarchy, the conditions under which they suffer and the inherit
injustice of the system which not only penalizes them by loss of their freedom,
but destroys their health through overcrowding, low quality food and a lack of
health care. We gain insight into the violence and isolation the prisoners
suffer including “special treatments” such as the press cells and the White
Swan.
The
Mark of Cain is superbly filmed with a disquieting soundtrack and careful
editing. It basically allows the prisoners to speak for themselves with added
interviews with prison authorities, reformers and experts. Through these
interviews and a focus on the meaning of the prison Tattoos, Lambert is able to
slowly help us gain an understanding of what Russian prison life is like. The
picture we receive is one of individuals who have been so brutalized and
dehumanized that it seems unlikely that they could ever readjust to living
outside the prison walls. Indeed, as Russia has moved to a more capitalist
model, the prisons have become ever more overcrowded with conditions becoming
more and more strained. Many prisoners now leave with strains of TB which
cannot be treated and hence a short stay can mean a life sentence.
This
is a startling documentary with many powerful scenes, it has been carefully
presented to avoid sensationalism and allow the prisoners to have their own
voice and what results is a fascinating glimpse into the world of Russian
prison tattoos and a powerful critique of the Russian prison system.
The
Mark of Cain is in Russian with clear and easy to follow English subtitles.