This picture is a confession to myself

Among the “Special screenings” of the 44th MIFF, the greatest excitement, perhaps, was caused by a new documentary film by Nikita Mikhalkov “The History of the Failed Film”.

Nikita Sergeevich masterfully knows how to advertise his works. Even at the opening press conference of the MIFF, he told reporters that his new film would be shown at the fest about how many years ago he made a film with amazing artists, where each episode individually is a masterpiece, but in general it didn’t work out for him. And his current film is a reflection on why this happened. “And this picture didn’t work out for me either,” Mikhalkov said ironically. After these words, it became clear to everyone in the hall that it would be extremely difficult to get through to this mysterious “failed” film at the MIFF.

The picture “Remembering Chekhov” Mikhalkov shot back in 1993. The film did not work out, Nikita Sergeevich edited it for a long time, remounted it, and in the end was dissatisfied with the result, deciding that it was not worth showing it to the viewer on the screen.

Today, 30 years later, Mikhalkov, in his documentary, which includes excerpts from the “failed” one, is trying to analyze what went wrong.

Naturally, he came to present his work himself. The show was attended by actors Avangard Leontiev and Vladimir Ilyin – the performers of the main roles.

– This is a rather risky story, – said Nikita Mikhalkov. – 30 years ago, according to the scenario of Vladimir Lakshin, we began to shoot a picture of how several of Chekhov’s friends remember him on the 10th anniversary after his death. There was no indication of what was to come. We were shooting, we had a great cameraman Vadim Yusov, we had wonderful actors. Each scene gave such pleasure to everyone, but the picture did not work out. We put it together for three years, but the picture did not work out. There is no her. All separately are, and together are not present. After many years, we decided to try to analyze it, when I realized for myself what had happened. And as a result, such a form arose, or rather, its absence. I am very glad that we made this picture, this is not an edification to someone, this is a confession to oneself, a cruel lesson.

The new documentary includes archival materials from the Trite film studio from the set of “Remembering Chekhov”, where the main roles were played by Irina Kupchenko, Vsevolod Larionov and the already named Avangard Leontiev and Vladimir Ilyin, footage and a chronicle of Nikita Mikhalkov’s travels to the monasteries in 2003 and 2005 years.

According to the director, to a large extent this film is a bow and apology to the actors who starred in his film, which never came out.

Vladimir Ilyin congratulated Nikita Mikhalkov and the audience on the premiere, noting that he personally liked the film very much.

And Avant-garde Leontiev noted that despite the fact that the film has no plot, it was interesting for him to discuss the topics raised with the director.

— Nikita Sergeevich, — said Vanguard Leontiev, — you said before the start that it would be boring. We were definitely not bored.

Elena Bulova.

On the picture: Nikita Mikhalkov presents his film.

Photo provided by the MIFF press service