S2 E5: What can Dr Zhivago (1965) tell us about the Russian Revolution?

Based on the novel by Boris Pasternak, the 1965 film Dr Zhivago has become for many western viewers a key reference point for how and why the Russian Revolution unfolded. At over 3 hours, the film covers Russian history from the last years of the Romanov dynasty up to the rapid industrialisation of Stalin’s 5 year plans. Criss-crossing the Russian continent from the Urals to the Eastern front the film’s geographical perspective is similarly broad. That’s why we are asking today, what can Dr Zhivago tell us about the Russian Revolution? Please note, this episode was recorded before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.