Via Zoom: Actor Tom Prior of ‘Firebird.’ Opening in Theaters on April 29, 2022

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionE-mail page to friendE-mail page to friendPDF versionPDF version
No votes yet

CHICAGO – With the subject of Russia at the top of the news, the roots of their oppressive attitudes are revealed in the new film “Firebird,” opening this Friday April 29th. The fascinating based-on-truth story is set in the Cold War era Soviet Union, and was co-written – with director Peeter Rebane – by Tom Prior, who also portrays Sergey, one of the lead roles in the film.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Sergey is a private in the Soviet Air Force in the 1970s, working in a flight group that is anchored by pilot and senior officer Roman (Oleg Zagorodnii), while at the same time becoming a confidant and friend to a woman officer named Luisa (Diana Pozharskaya). When Roman and Sergey begin an illegal (in the Soviet Union at the time) love affair, the opportunity for blackmail and expulsion floats to the surface. To divert attention, Roman begins an affair with Luisa, and this love triangle casts a pall over all the relationships.

The film is expressly acted, which makes it work, especially between the three principals involved in the love triangle. In all the oppressive eras of anti-gay governments and societies, individuals risked their lives and careers for the nature of who they were/are, and this film provides an honest assessment of what that was about.

“Firebird"
Tom Prior (center) in ‘Firebird’
Photo credit: Roadside Attractions

“What really fascinated me about this story is how could such a relationship have existed in the Soviet Air Force at the time, at the height of the Cold War?,” said director Rebane in an email. “It seemed almost impossible and fantastical, but as we researched and confidentially interviewed some other men who served in the Soviet Army in the 1970s, we discovered a fascinating secret subculture.”

In Part One in a interview with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Tom Prior talks about developing the story and positioning himself in the Cold War era Soviet Union …

In Part Two, a broader view of LGBTQ+ issues …

The trailer for Firebird …

“Firebird” opens in select theaters on April 29th. Featuring Tom Prior, Oleg Zagorodnii, Diana Pozharskaya, Nicholas Woodeson and Henessi Schmidt. Written by Peeter Rebane and Tom Prior. Directed by Peter Rebane. Rated “R”

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2022 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

User Login

Free Giveaway Mailing

TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • Manhunt

    CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

Advertisement



HollywoodChicago.com on Twitter

archive

HollywoodChicago.com Top Ten Discussions
referendum
tracker