Competitors: Russia’s Child Prodigies (review)

Ten years ago Irina Chistyakova, Nikita Mndoyants, Dmitry Krutogolovy, and Elena Kolesnichenko were, as child pianist/prodigies, subjects of the documentary film Russia’s Wonder Children (2000). Competitors: Russia’s Child Prodigies (2010) documents their succession to fierce competitors in a shrinking music industry in search of perfection and virtuosity. The new film uses flashbacks to the competitors performing as young children. There are just enough scenes from the previous documentary to make the new film complete without having to view the previous. At the same time it is enough to make the viewer want to see the first film. Clever.

As prodigies they demonstrate not only early skill, but a wise understanding of art that is even more amazing than their technique. Their talent now seems less dazzling, which is unfortunate. In a particularly telling scene, a very young Dmitry reveals how nervous he gets when performing in public. When asked if he could live without music he responds, “Not anymore.” Even so young there was a realization there is no turning back. Now, instead of what grades they will receive from those early competitions and auditions, or how many hours a day they will practice, they worry about finding the best manager to promote their careers. The film eerily demonstrates in many ways that prodigies are like any children. They grow up differently, like any people. Some hone a steely determination; others have careers that coexist with a family life. Some of the competitors have become consumed while others integrate. The completion becomes crueler and the criticism more realistic when the novelty of prodigy wears off. Competitors: Russia’s Child Prodigies is as entertaining as it is enlightening and deserves a place in every serious music library.