Doctor Zhivago

David Lean, 1965
PG-13; 197 minutes

“Doctor Zhivago is more than a masterful motion picture; it is a life experience.” –James Powers, The Hollywood Reporter

Based on the 1957 novel by Boris Pasternak, the epic Doctor Zhivago is set in Russia during the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. The film tells the story of Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) a young doctor and poet who was raised by family friends following the death of his parents. He falls in love with the beautiful Lara Guishar (Julie Christie), who has been seduced by her mother's lover, Victor Komarovsky (Rod Steiger), an unscrupulous businessman. Lara eventually marries a young revolutionary, Pasha (Tom Courtenay), while Yuri marries Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), the daughter of his adoptive parents. Years later, when he and Lara meet again, the spark of love reignites.

Stay cool this August with a series of films set in wintry weather. “My Favorite Films” features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism. This series of films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they draw you in again and again. While many of these films are available through streaming, seeing them in theatre is always more fun.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern followed by an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterward with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online. Click here to purchase tickets online.