At a solemn farewell for the esteemed Russian film director Alexander Mitta, it was not a grand eulogy from a contemporary, but the heartfelt address of his son, Evgeny Mitta, that truly resonated. Evgeny`s touching recollections painted a vivid picture of a childhood meticulously crafted by a father whose brilliance extended far beyond the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark of creativity and profound human connection.
A Childhood Forged in Creativity
Evgeny recounted the genesis of their shared creative journey, which began astonishingly early. “When I was two years old, he brought me a large sheet of paper and two thick markers, and we started drawing,” Evgeny shared, his voice tinged with both sorrow and profound gratitude. This wasn`t merely a casual pastime; it was the foundation of a lifelong bond and an unconventional curriculum. “Gradually, characters emerged — Indians, clowns. We fantasized, we discussed… a creative laboratory for character creation,” he explained. As Evgeny grew, this artistic collaboration expanded, leading them to museums, where the seeds of cultural appreciation were sown deeply and deliberately.
The Unconventional Salon: Icons in the Living Room
The Mitta household, it appears, was less a residence and more a vibrant cultural salon. Evgeny fondly recalled a time when household names like Vladimir Vysotsky, Galina Volchek, and Oleg Tabakov might be found casually conversing in their living room. “I couldn`t comprehend then that I was sitting on Vysotsky`s lap,” Evgeny confessed, a subtle hint of irony in his voice, contemplating the sheer magnitude of those moments from an adult perspective. “He would press the guitar chords, I would strum, and he would murmur: `Look, you`re doing it, you can play the guitar!`” It was, as Evgeny put it, an “incredible stroke of fate” to be raised by such parents, whose lives were so intertwined with the titans of their era. This casual proximity to genius undoubtedly shaped Evgeny’s own artistic path.
Beyond the Director`s Chair: A Painter`s Soul
While Alexander Mitta is primarily celebrated for his directorial prowess, his son highlighted a lesser-known but equally significant facet of his father`s talent: his passion for painting. “Painting was his second passion after cinema,” Evgeny revealed, emphasizing that this wasn`t merely a hobby, but a vital wellspring for his creative vision. “That`s where he drew ideas, images.” It offers a fascinating insight into the intricate workings of Mitta`s mind, where visual artistry and cinematic narrative were constantly cross-pollinating, enriching each other in a continuous, unspoken dialogue.
The Poet`s Quiet Gift: Verses for Young Minds
Perhaps the most charming revelation was Alexander Mitta`s hidden poetic talent, particularly his work for children. “Few people know about this, but in his youth, he wrote poems for children. Books were even published,” Evgeny disclosed, adding another layer to the director`s multifaceted genius. These works were notably illustrated by the “brilliant Rotov,” resulting in “a charming book in a comic-book style.” This discovery paints a picture of a man whose creativity knew no bounds, willing to explore diverse mediums to tell stories and inspire imagination, even for the youngest audience.
A Partnership of Sixty Years: The Unsung Heroine
No tribute to Alexander Mitta would be complete without acknowledging the profound partnership he shared with his wife, Evgeny`s mother. Their “incredible union,” lasting an impressive sixty years, was, according to Evgeny, the quiet strength behind his father`s prolific output. “My father would not have been such a fruitful artist without her,” he stated, underscoring the vital, often unseen, role of a supportive partner in the life of a creative genius. It was a testament to a bond built on mutual respect and shared aspirations, a bedrock upon which his public achievements were built.
Evgeny Mitta concluded his emotional address by reciting his father`s favorite poetic lines, his voice faltering with tears. It was a poignant moment, a son`s final, tender ode to a father whose life was a masterclass in creativity, curiosity, and unconditional love. Alexander Mitta`s legacy, as beautifully articulated by his son, is not just one of cinematic masterpieces, but of a life lived with a profound dedication to art in all its forms, and a deeply human capacity to inspire, nurture, and create joy.
