The Asthenic Syndrome
The Asthenic Syndrome () is a 1989 Soviet drama film directed by Kira Muratova. It is the sixth feature film directed by Muratova, and arguably her masterpiece, most important film and best known film. The film was entered into the 40th Berlin International Film Festival where it won the Silver Bear - Special Jury Prize. It also won 1991 Nika Award in Russia. Plot The film consists of two parts: the first part is shot in black-and-white and the second in color. In the first part Natasha, the main character, was in her husband's funeral when she suddenly lost control over her states of extreme rage and despair. She walked away from the funeral and began to treat everybody provocatively and aggressively. After resigning from the hospital where she was a doctor, she seeks sex from two random strangers. The first is met with confusion and anger, but the second results in a fling that she regrets, panicking once he goes to kiss her. At the end, Natasha finally regains herself and is able to accept an act of kindness from a stranger. We then realize that the first part was a film screening in a theater as the second