Two Artists Would Operate A Single Brain, A Single Sensibility

Genuine insight into the perfect match between the image and the catalyst of its meaning can bring vitality to the artistic process, only if it reveals a subtle balance between form and content.

The meeting between Eisenstein and Prokofiev is a phenomenon in the history of arts. Two artists would operate a single brain, a single sensibility. The miracle of this meeting lies precisely in the attunement, in the unique harmonization of their creation.

Here are some lesser-known traits of the composer that will help us understand the affective premises of this collaboration: a capacity for work that H. Neuhaus said was astonishing. He worked regardless of his mood, anytime, anywhere, under any conditions. A man of equally astonishing punctuality. Prokofiev works like clockwork, writes Eisenstein. Its accuracy derives from the precision that characterizes its creation. From the accuracy with which the image is translated into means of expression with a mathematical precision that Prokofiev keeps in check with an iron fist.

His punctuality is proverbial: if a meeting does not start on time, after ten minutes of waiting he leaves the room angrily and demonstratively. For those who want to visit him, he sets appointments to the minute: 12:00 and 8:00 p.m., and he gets irritated if the guest does not keep to the specified time. He shaves at the same time every day and the whirring of the razor is for M. Rostropovici, his neighbor, a real clockwork. He is pedantic in his clothing, he drives around in his blue car with a perfectly elegant dress. But, although an austere spirit, with a rare discipline in work, he approves of dancing or tennis, also meeting Eisenstein on this plan.

For Eisenstein, the result of this collaboration on the film Alexandr Nevski - which becomes a great pleasure and creative joy for both artists - will be the discovery of the laws of coincidence, of the agreement between sound and image.

To what extent can the coincidence of the image and the catalyst that gives meaning to that image draw out of you the essence of a harmonious and profound work?

The coordination between Eisenstein and Prokofiev in the making of the film Alexander Nevsky is a unique phenomenon in the history of the arts. Two artists acted as one brain, manifesting a common sensibility. Their meeting is a marvel because of the harmony and precision with which they have aligned their creations.

The human brain acts as an integrator, allowing a harmonious response to external stimuli. Synergy between the prefrontal cortex and motor areas allows precise planning and execution of movements. This precision and accuracy also characterizes the relationship between Eisenstein and Prokofiev, who worked together with astonishing punctuality. Prokofiev was known for his rigorous time discipline, writing his music with clockwork-like mathematical precision.

Eisenstein, on the other hand, was equally disciplined and meticulous in his cinematic approach, seamlessly integrating Prokofiev's music into the film so that sound and image blended naturally. Dancing and tennis were other common interests that contributed to their collaboration. The result was the discovery of the laws of coincidence, of the agreement between sound and image.

Thus, the film Alexandr Nevski becomes a manifestation of the perfect coincidence between two arts, through an exemplary collaboration between two artists who acted as one brain.

Leadership can have the value of a harmonious creative process, bringing to light a subtle balance between form and content, only if it reveals an authentic perspective between the image and the deep essence of its meaning.

Two artists would act as one brain, one sensibility, only if they have a deep and harmonious communication based on mutual respect, trust and a shared artistic vision that allows them to merge their creativity in a complementary and synergistic way. The coincidence between the image and the catalyst that gives meaning to the image (music) can become a fascinating discovery when two visions synchronize to create a harmonious work.

* Note: Ion Barna - Eisenstein, Tineretului Publishing House, 1966.