The Central House of Writers in Moscow recently served as the somber yet profoundly appreciative venue for the farewell ceremony of Alexander Mitta, one of Russian cinema`s most revered figures. The gathering, attended by a constellation of industry stalwarts, journalists, and a loyal public, marked not just the departure of a director, but the closing chapter of a life that enriched the arts with unparalleled vision and humanism.
A Maestro Behind the Lens and Beyond
Alexander Naumovich Mitta, often lauded as an “actor`s director,” possessed an uncanny ability to draw out the nuanced essence of performance, a skill that made his films resonate deeply with audiences. Colleagues recalled how he masterfully crafted the emotional landscape of each scene, fostering an environment where actors could truly flourish. Evgeny Gerasimov, a prominent figure in Russian cinema, eloquently summarized Mitta`s genius: “He created the mood on set, he created the mood for the actors. Mitta was a magnificent actor`s director. It is no coincidence that there were discoveries in each of his films.” Indeed, Mitta was credited with nurturing the prodigious talent of Leonid Filatov, offering him the platform to fully express his capabilities.
Yet, Mitta`s brilliance was not confined to the director`s chair. He was a polymath, a true Renaissance man of the arts. His artistic endeavors extended to painting, with many testifying to his remarkable talent as an illustrator. Furthermore, he penned a seminal book on filmmaking, a work so impactful that many aspiring directors cited it as their foundational text. The vividness of his writing, much like his directorial style, had an almost living quality, making complex cinematic principles accessible and engaging. Unexpectedly to some, Mitta also harbored a talent for children`s poetry, even publishing a book of his verse – a delightful testament to his gentle spirit and boundless creativity.
A Life Intertwined with Love and Art
The ceremony revealed glimpses into Mitta`s private world, particularly the profound influence of his sixty-year marriage to Liliya Mayorova. Their union was described as an “incredible partnership,” a synergy that undoubtedly fueled his artistic prolificacy. Her passing in 2022 reportedly left a significant void, suggesting a profound bond that transcended personal companionship into creative collaboration.
His son, Evgeny Mitta, delivered a poignant eulogy, painting a vivid picture of a childhood steeped in creativity and wonder. He fondly recounted how, at the tender age of two, his father introduced him to the vast canvas of a drawing pad and thick felt-tip pens, igniting a lifelong “creative laboratory” where characters like Indians and clowns came to life through shared imagination. Evgeny reflected on the serendipitous fortune of growing up in such a household, recalling how legendary figures like Vladimir Vysotsky and Galina Volchek would frequently grace their home. “I couldn`t understand that I was sitting on Vysotsky`s lap,” he mused, describing how Vysotsky would press chords on a guitar while he strummed, reassuring him, “Look, you can play the guitar!” Such an upbringing, surrounded by titans of art, underscored the unique environment that shaped Alexander Mitta`s world.
The Unsmiling Portrait: A Glimpse into Struggle
Among the montage of photographs displayed at the ceremony, a particular portrait stood out. It depicted a contemplative, unsmiling Alexander Mitta, absorbed in reading. His son, Evgeny, revealed the story behind this solitary image, a work he himself had painted. It was created during the challenging production of Mitta`s film, “The Tale of Wanderings,” a project fraught with censorship battles that nearly led to its shelving. The immense stress of this period was so profound it triggered a micro-stroke in the director. This portrait, in stark contrast to the many smiling images of Mitta, served as a powerful reminder of the artistic and personal struggles he navigated with quiet resilience.
The Final Applause
As the ceremony drew to a close, a wave of applause, a traditional cinematic send-off for artists, swelled through the hall as the coffin was lifted. This spontaneous ovation, a resonant echo of countless premieres and curtain calls, followed Mitta`s final journey. Yet, in a subtle, almost poetic turn, the collective applause began to fade as the coffin was carried to the waiting hearse. Only two individuals, perhaps lost in their personal tributes, continued their solitary clapping for another minute, their private gesture a quiet, powerful testament to a truly unique and indelible spirit. It was a fitting, if slightly melancholic, final scene for a director who understood the profound weight of human emotion.
Alexander Mitta`s departure leaves a void in the landscape of cinema, but his extensive body of work, his innovative spirit, and his multifaceted contributions to art will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come. His legacy, much like the lingering applause, will echo in the annals of film history.
