As the legendary Russian filmmaker Nikita Mikhalkov approaches his 80th birthday, the cinematic world is abuzz with a series of new documentary premieres. This “pre-jubilee flywheel,” as some have termed it, is offering unprecedented insights into the life, career, and complex character of a director whose influence spans decades. Far from mere celebratory tributes, these films delve into the very essence of Mikhalkov`s being, exploring his artistic philosophy, personal relationships, and deep-rooted heritage.
A Dual Cinematic Tribute
Leading this wave of cinematic retrospectives are two significant documentary projects. The first, titled “Nikita Mikhalkov. The Method,” premiered at the “Gorky Fest” and offers a perspective from his own students, reflecting on his unique approach to filmmaking and mentorship. This film provides a professional lens, examining the techniques and principles Mikhalkov has imparted to a new generation of artists.
The second, and perhaps most intimately revealing, is “Nikita,” co-directed by Nikolai Burlyaev and Dmitry Chernetsov. This documentary is not merely a biography but a profound exploration born from a 66-year friendship between Mikhalkov and Burlyaev. Having already been screened in working versions at events like “Slavianski Bazaar” and for VGIK students, the film continues to be refined, though it has already received Mikhalkov`s personal seal of approval. As Burlyaev recounted, Mikhalkov’s initial, rather dismissive reaction to the concept of a film about himself – “Who would be interested besides you, me, and three other people?” – eventually gave way to a decisive “Kolya, it`s all normal. Launch it!” Apparently, even a renowned director can be swayed by a lifelong friend`s compelling narrative.
The Enduring Friendship of Burlyaev and Mikhalkov
Burlyaev’s perspective on Mikhalkov is uniquely colored by their six-decade bond, dating back to when they were both 13 years old. While he sees the acclaimed director Andrei Tarkovsky (whom he also knew) as consumed by a theme of sacrifice, Burlyaev perceives Mikhalkov`s life as an ongoing quest for love and universal harmony. This distinction, coming from someone who has observed Mikhalkov`s trajectory for so long, offers a nuanced understanding of his creative and personal drives.
The film “Nikita” is built upon Burlyaev’s own written work, a three-volume collection, and a later novella also titled “Nikita.” It is a testament to Mikhalkov`s honesty and resilience that he approved a film derived from texts that “tell the truth” about him, even if that truth is at times “tough.” Burlyaev portrays Mikhalkov as someone accustomed to facing envy and criticism, a characteristic he attributes to the entire Mikhalkov dynasty, whose patriarch even penned the national anthem. Mikhalkov`s ability to “take a punch” and respond with “Christian fortitude” is a central theme, exemplified by his widely recognized victory at the Union of Cinematographers congress, where he deftly parried attempts to unseat him. Burlyaev vividly recalls a flight from Serbia where he pressed Mikhalkov on whether he would lead the Union if asked. After a pregnant pause, Mikhalkov`s reluctant “Why would I need that?” was met with Burlyaev`s firm, “If not you, then who?” – an exchange that, according to Burlyaev, encapsulates Mikhalkov`s role as a “Peresvet on Kulikovo Field,” a historical figure who fearlessly led the charge.
Beyond the Camera: Lineage, Spirit, and Resilience
The documentary “Nikita” also delves into the director`s deep ancestral roots, tracing the Mikhalkov lineage back to the 16th-17th centuries. Ancient engravings showcase a “bedchamber boy Mikhalkov” standing alongside Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich Romanov, and another ancestor depicted next to Boris Godunov. This royal connection, combined with Mikhalkov`s own assertion that he descends from two ancestors who fought at the Battle of Kulikovo Field, paints a picture of a man deeply connected to Russian history. Mikhalkov himself notes a striking resemblance to Alexander Surikov, the brother of the famous artist Vasily Surikov, as seen in the painting “The Capture of the Snow Town,” remarking, “That`s my copy.” This deep sense of heritage, Mikhalkov suggests, is like a “root system” nourishing generations.
Mikhalkov reflects on the meaning of his given name, Nikita, which he interprets as “victor, expelling a demon” – a definition he believes aligns with his life`s path. When Burlyaev asks if he is happy, Mikhalkov`s stoic response, “The Lord does not give a cross beyond one`s strength,” speaks volumes about his philosophical outlook.
The film also unearths fascinating personal anecdotes, such as Mikhalkov`s near-fatal experience during his military service in Kamchatka. While traveling by dog sled in a biting 52-degree Celsius frost, he began to hallucinate “something sweet in the heavens,” a grim sign of impending hypothermia. He was only saved when a fellow serviceman ventured outside “to relieve himself” and stumbled upon the freezing Mikhalkov. A testament, perhaps, to the adage that even future cinematic titans need a timely bathroom break – or someone else`s – to survive.
A Director`s Enduring Themes
Co-director Dmitry Chernetsov emphasizes that his collaboration with Mikhalkov, particularly spending four months “in the same trench” filming the behind-the-scenes of “Burnt by the Sun 2,” was crucial to understanding his subject. This intimate access allowed him to uncover “providential” material, including rare 1972 footage from a Far Eastern studio showing an eight-year-old Mikhalkov.
Chernetsov clarifies that “Nikita” is not a dry film studies analysis but rather a journey into the director`s spiritual and personal dimensions. A significant thread weaving through the documentary is Mikhalkov`s acclaimed theatrical production, “12.” Chernetsov reportedly reviewed “several hundred hours of rehearsals” for the play, offering a meticulous look at Mikhalkov`s directorial process in a different medium.
These converging cinematic tributes are more than just birthday gifts; they are a multi-faceted exploration of a figure who has indelibly shaped Russian cinema. From his aristocratic lineage to his philosophical battles, from enduring friendships to brushes with death, these new documentaries promise to offer a comprehensive, deeply personal, and often surprising portrait of Nikita Mikhalkov as he steps into his ninth decade.
