**Elem Klimov (1933-2003)** was an influential Soviet director, known for a selective yet profoundly impactful filmography. His undisputed masterpiece is **Come and See** (Idi i smotri, 1985), a raw and harrowing drama about World War II in Belarus. The film explores the brutality of war and its devastating psychological impact through the eyes of a young partisan, blending hyper-detailed realism with dreamlike and hallucinatory elements to create a disturbing visual and auditory experience.

Another significant title is **Agony** (Agoniya, 1975/1981), a feverish portrayal of Rasputin and the decline of the Russian Empire. Klimov is remembered for his ability to tackle complex themes such as violence, madness, and dehumanization with a bold and uncompromising artistic vision, often pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression.