Andrei Arsenyevich Tarkovsky (Russian: Андре́й Арсе́ньевич Тарко́вский) (April 4, 1932 - December 29, 1986) was a Soviet Russian filmmaker, writer and opera director. Tarkovsky is listed among the 100 most critically acclaimed film directors; director Ingmar Bergman was quoted as saying "Tarkovsky for me is the greatest [director], the one who invented a new language, true to the nature of film, as it captures life as a reflection, life as a dream".[1] Tarkovsky attained critical praise for films such as Andrei Rublev, Solaris and Stalker. Tarkovsky worked extensively as a screenwriter, film editor, film theorist and theater director. He directed most of his films in the Soviet Union, with the exception of his last two films, which were produced in Italy and Sweden. His films are characterized by Christian spirituality and metaphysical themes, extremely long takes, lack of conventional dramatic structure and plot, and memorable cinematography. Tarkovsky began his career at the State Institute of Cinematography with several student films. His first feature film was Ivan's Childhood in 1961. This film, which was also his most conventional film was followed by four other films in the time period between 1961 and 1979. His last film produced in the Soviet Union was Stalker in 1979. During his time in the Soviet Union he wrote several screenplays for films he ultimately did not realize. He also contributed towards the productions of several films by other directors, as screenwriter, actor, film editor and artistic advisor. Tarkovsky left the Soviet Union in 1979 and directed the film Nostalghia and the documentary Voyage in Time about the making of Nostalghia in Italy. His last film The Sacrifice was produced in Sweden, shortly before his death.