As the world approaches significant anniversaries for the monumental Soviet composer Dmitry Shostakovich, two ambitious film projects are set to explore his complex life and enduring legacy. One, a Russian production, initially eyed a global star whose past became too dissonant for the role; the other, a European endeavor, has found its lead in a versatile German actor.
The Russian Perspective: Alexei Uchitel`s “The Noise of Time”
Filmmaker Alexei Uchitel, known for his often controversial yet compelling historical dramas, is currently deep into production on his vision of Shostakovich, titled “The Noise of Time.” Unlike a conventional, chronologically structured biopic, Uchitel`s film is described as a parable, a unique blend—or perhaps a grand experiment—drawing comparisons to the opulent tragedy of “The Great Gatsby” and the intellectual intensity of “Oppenheimer.” The goal, Uchitel asserts, is to portray Shostakovich not as the “quiet man in glasses” often imagined, but as a genius who created music against all odds, a figure far more dynamic and contradictory.
The Kevin Spacey Conundrum: A Star Too Tarnished?
Early in the development of “The Noise of Time,” Uchitel reportedly sought an international star for the lead role. Kevin Spacey, a titan of stage and screen with two Academy Awards and a string of iconic performances, was among those considered. A meeting between Uchitel and Spacey took place two years ago at the Tashkent International Film Festival, where Spacey made a public reappearance following a lengthy period embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations. While Spacey was ultimately acquitted, the shadow of the accusations lingered, significantly damaging his reputation and career.
One can only imagine the furor an “offended public” might have raised had Shostakovich, a figure whose life was already intertwined with the fraught politics of his era, been portrayed by an actor with such recent public controversy, regardless of legal outcomes. Uchitel, no stranger to public outcry himself—having faced intense scrutiny for films like “Matilda” (about Empress Matilda Kshesinskaya), which broke “all records for insane attacks and absurd accusations”—evidently decided against this particular brand of tempest.
Ultimately, the role of Shostakovich in his younger and mature years went to the talented Oleg Savtsov, who, with the aid of age-appropriate makeup, will bring the composer to life. Evgeny Tsyganov, a frequent collaborator with Uchitel, will play Sergei Prokofiev.
The European Vision: Jan Komasa and August Diehl
Meanwhile, across Europe, Polish director Jan Komasa is planning his own English-language film about Shostakovich, with the acclaimed German actor August Diehl set to star. Komasa, whose film “Corpus Christi” earned him significant accolades, including a Grand Prix and audience award at the Vistula Polish Film Festival in Moscow and an Oscar nomination, brings a keen eye for spiritual and social complexities to his work.
Diehl, at 49, is a highly versatile and compelling actor, known for his intense performances in films such as Quentin Tarantino`s “Inglourious Basterds,” Terrence Malick`s “A Hidden Life,” and most recently as Voland in Mikhail Lokshin`s “The Master and Margarita.” His recent portrayal of Josef Mengele in Kirill Serebrennikov`s “The Disappearance of Josef Mengele”—a role that required complex age makeup to depict the character from youth to old age—further attests to his range and dedication. Diehl`s long-standing fascination with Russian culture, particularly the works of Tarkovsky and Dostoevsky, and his childhood reading of “The Master and Margarita,” suggest a profound connection to the subject matter.
The specific period of Shostakovich`s life that Komasa`s film will explore remains undisclosed, but Diehl`s casting promises a nuanced and powerful portrayal.
A Composer`s Enduring Resonance
Dmitry Shostakovich (born September 25, 1906, died August 9, 1975) navigated a life fraught with contradiction, from official acclaim to periods of severe political denunciation. His music, often seen as a coded commentary on the Soviet regime, continues to resonate globally.
Both cinematic projects aim to delve into the man behind the scores, to illuminate his genius and his struggles, rather than presenting a simplistic hagiography. Interestingly, parallel to these films, the Maly Drama Theatre – Theatre of Europe, under artistic director Lev Dodin, has also announced a stage production about Shostakovich, focusing “not so much on music, but on Shostakovich – the man, on the fate of a genius in tragic times.”
Whether in Russia or Europe, on screen or stage, the world is clearly ready to re-examine Dmitry Shostakovich. With two distinct cinematic interpretations on the horizon, audiences can anticipate a rich, multifaceted exploration of one of the 20th century`s most significant and enigmatic composers. The baton has been passed, and the symphony of his life is set to play on.
