The Prophecy

The Prophecy (original title: Predskazaniye) is a 1993 French-Russian co-production directed by Eldar Ryazanov, who adapted the screenplay from his own novella. Produced by Mosfilm, the 113-minute film blends fantastical melodrama with thriller and mystery elements, and takes place entirely in Moscow.

The story follows celebrated writer Oleg Goryunov, who, on returning from a trip, meets a fortune teller at the train station who warns him he will die within twenty-four hours. Back home he is confronted by a much younger version of himself, and resolves to spend his final day settling two long-postponed matters: demanding an account of his father's death and confessing his feelings to Lyudmila, a bank employee. French actress Irène Jacob plays Lyudmila; according to Ryazanov's memoirs, Jacob knew no Russian when filming began and memorized her lines written in Latin characters, matching her lip movements to authentic Russian pronunciation.