The article deals with the parallels between the cinematographic theory of Dziga Vertov and Mariengof’s novel “The Cynics”. There are some similar features both at the level of content (similarity in the reflection of the NEP subject) and at the level of form (use of documentary inserts, the basic principles of editing techniques). Special attention is paid to the artistic part of the novel, which is considered to be a kind of drama action in accordance with Vertov’s ideas.