Based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Boris Pasternak, Doctor Zhivago covers the years prior to, during and after the Russian Revolution, as seen through the eyes of poet/physician Yuri Zhivago (
Omar Sharif). In the tradition of Russian novels, a multitude of characters and subplots intertwine within the film's 197 minutes, plus intermission. Zhivago is married to Tonya (
Geraldine Chaplin), but carries on an affair with Lara (
Julie Christie), who has been raped by ruthless politician Komarovsky (
Rod Steiger). Meanwhile, Zhivago's half-brother Yevgraf (
Alec Guinness) and the mysterious, revenge-seeking Strelnikoff (Tom Courteney) represent the "good" and "bad" elements of the Bolshevik revolution. Composer
Maurice Jarre received one of Doctor Zhivago's five Oscars, with the others going to screenwriter
Robert Bolt, cinematographer
Freddie Young, art directors
John Box and Terry Marsh and set decorator Dario Simoni, and costumer Phyllis Dalton. The best picture Oscar, however, went to
The Sound of Music. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide