Russia 1985-1999: TraumaZone

What it felt like to live through the collapse of communism and democracy. A series of films by Adam Curtis.

Documentary

War & Politics

What it felt like to live through the collapse of communism and democracy. A series of films by Adam Curtis.

Documentary

War & Politics

Total 1 seasons, 7 episodes

What it felt like to live through the collapse of communism and democracy. A series of films by Adam Curtis.

Aired 3 years ago

7 Episodes

Episode 1Part One - 1985 to 198960 min
Perestroika. The dream of saving communism. But no-one believes in anything any longer. The managers loot the system. Soldiers return defeated in the war to liberate Afghanistan.
Episode 2Part Two - 1989 to 199160 min
There are no potatoes in Moscow. Things get worse. Then they get much worse as the rational Communist plan runs out of control everywhere. But McDonald’s opens in Moscow.
Episode 3Part Three - 199160 min
The empire strikes back. Hardliners attempt a coup. Power slips through their shaking hands. Oligarchs publish a manifesto. Money will replace all ideology. Yeltsin seizes power.
Episode 4Part Four - 1992 to 199460 min
Russia goes through the mirror into a chaotic dream world where nothing is stable any more. Dream visions of Russia's imperial past start to rise up. People cannot afford food.
Episode 5Part Five - 1993 to 199660 min
Russian society implodes. Millions of people fall into the abyss. Many live underground or in forests. The president attacks parliament with tanks saying he is saving democracy.