Generation P (film)

Generation P is a 2011 Russian satirical drama film directed by Viktor Ginzburg, based on the 1999 novel of the same name by Viktor Pelevin. The film offers a darkly humorous and surreal commentary on post-Soviet Russia, focusing on the rise of advertising and its manipulation of society.

The narrative follows Vavilen Tatarsky, a disillusioned intellectual who becomes involved in the burgeoning advertising industry of the 1990s. He quickly ascends the corporate ladder, becoming a "creative" tasked with crafting compelling campaigns for Western brands adapting to the Russian market. Tatarsky soon discovers the industry's inherent cynicism and its profound influence on Russian identity and political discourse.

The film employs visual metaphors and surreal imagery to depict the manipulative power of advertising and the increasingly artificial nature of reality. Themes explored include the loss of authenticity, the commodification of culture, the influence of global corporations, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Generation P is known for its sharp wit, philosophical undertones, and its unflinching portrayal of the societal shifts that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. The film is considered a cult classic by many in Russia.