A very operatic film but fully in the style of Eisenstein. However, these are slower, longer scenes than Eisenstein's previous movies. The photography emphasizes spaces and textures so close ups utilize much wider angle lenses and wider depths of field than what was considered normal for the day. As a result the actor's faces almost contort to the edges of the frame in an un-naturalistic almost horror like manner. Also, the low angle is employed far more often in this film than he previously did, obviously utilizing propaganda techniques that Eisenstein himself pioneered.
The film is a direct propaganda piece for the Russian people as they face the onslaught of the German army. It is notable that the main enemy in the film are the Livonians and Germans rather than the Tartars to the west. However, the film really emphasizes the internal struggle and how important it is to get rid of any traitors in order to combat the external enemy. I’m sure Stalin wanted to exude this message to a population that he needed to control as the war raged on.
It is notable to point out that Stalin banned the second half of the film as he saw too much commonality with himself and the despotism of Ivan.