The definitive study of the great filmmaker, set in the context of Russian cultural history.

Johnson and Petrie have produced an admirable book. Anyone who wants to make sense of Tarkovsky's films--a very difficult task in any case--must read it." --The Russian Review
This book is a model of contextual and textual analysis.... the Tarkovsky myth is stripped of many of its shibboleths and the thematic structure and coherence of his work is revealed in a fresh and stimulating manner." --Europe-Asia Studies
[This book, ] with its wealth of new research and critical insight, has set the standard and should certainly inspire other writers to keep on trying to collectively explore the possible meanings of Tarkovsky's film world." --Canadian Journal of Film Studies
For Tarkovsky lovers as well as haters, this is an essential book. It might make even the haters reconsider." --Cineaste
This definitive study, set in the context of Russian cultural history, throws new light on one of the greatest--and most misunderstood--filmmakers of the past three decades. The text is enhanced by more than 60 frame enlargements from the films.