Director Nikita Mikhalkov turned 80 years old

Nikita Mikhalkov, one of the most important actors and directors of Russian cinema, turned 80 on October 21. Izvestia correspondent Alexander Nadsadny collected congratulations from friends and acquaintances of the artist.

Before this shoot, it seems that everyone was worried, except for the hero of the interview himself. Nikita Mikhalkov appeared with hot coffee in his hand and a big smile, and the playground immediately became more comfortable.

"Depending on how the atmosphere is created, it depends on how much what you do can affect other people — this is fundamentally important," said Nikita Mikhalkov, Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation, People's Artist of the RSFSR, director.

He came, saw, charmed — this is exactly the effect Mikhalkov has on everyone around him.

"This is a man who is madly in love with an artist. Maybe this is his main characteristic," said Yuri Stoyanov.

Even the villains in his performance turned out to be very charming, but at the same time convincing: the highwayman in "His own among strangers, a stranger among his own", and the gentleman Paratov from "Cruel Romance", and the speculator-conductor from "Station for two".

It seemed that he was destined to become a great artist. Her grandfather, the famous painter Pyotr Konchalovsky, took her and her brother Andrey to the country for the whole summer from childhood. Mikhalkov preserved those moments of little happiness for the audience forever.

"It seems to me that Nikita Sergeevich directed his life in general. Movies, his films, his acting work are just a part of his life. That is, he is such a director of his destiny," said Russian film director, screenwriter and producer Egor Konchalovsky.

60 years ago, when he was walking through Moscow, it seemed that all the doors opened for him on their own, like in the subway. But what was good for Nikita Mikhalkov turned out to be bad for his teachers.

"After the success of the film "I Walk through Moscow," it began to rain icily, and the young movie star was expelled from Shchukin College, then VGIK became a window into the world of cinema," the correspondent said.

When the door of the Shchukin College closed, he literally climbed through the window, which was secretly opened for Nikita Mikhalkov by a classmate and close friend Nikolai Burlyaev.

"We practiced, we did independent excerpts. He asked me to play for him. And I played, they gave him an excellent grade, and that's how it all started," said Nikolai Burlyaev, People's Artist of the Russian Federation.

"He is a funny man, a buffoon, a joker, he is certainly an organizer, he is a man who can gather everyone's attention in one second," added Sergey Garmash, People's Artist of the Russian Federation.

Director Mikhail Romm quickly recognized these qualities and accepted Nikita Mikhalkov into his studio immediately for the second year. It was within the historical walls of VGIK that the long journey to more cinema began.

"You can do all this, but without talent, it might not be the same at all. This is something that Mikhalkov certainly has," explained film director, screenwriter, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Vladimir Khotinenko.

Few people know, but before sitting in the director's chair, the people's artist joined the army. During his service, Mikhalkov was literally on the edge of life. In Kamchatka, at a temperature of -52 degrees, he almost froze. Then a miracle saved him.

"For a believer, thank you, Lord, for everything. My mother gave a lot with her wisdom, she said: Don't ask the Lord why, ask him why," Nikita Mikhalkov said.

After such trials, it seemed quite easy for him to take risks on the set: to break his face until it bled, to lie down under the tracks of a tank, not to sleep for several days.

"He is a truly great Russian artist, sincerely devoted to his Homeland," said Karen Shakhnazarov, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, director, screenwriter, producer.

Today, in the pavilions of Mosfilm, where Mikhalkov worked, young people come to breathe in the cinematic air and touch the legendary props. The People's Artist became an example for many and opened the doors to the world of big cinema for many. In 2013, he saw talent in an aspiring actor from Serbia and invited him to play in his film. Milos Bikovic did not disappoint and really became a star of Russian cinema.

"You see, they say that there is no prophet in his village. If he's a great director for you, then he's even bigger for us," said Russian and Serbian actor Milos Bikovic.

Even now Nikita Mikhalkov regularly finds time for actors at his Academy, and this is despite his busy schedule. Performances, filming, master classes — the director's plans for 80 are grandiose.

"Like any other person, I'm interested in different things. I don't feel like I've said everything, so to speak," Mikhalkov admitted.

Director of fate: the stars congratulated Mikhalkov on his anniversary

What is behind the epithets "outstanding", "great", "brilliant"

On October 19, People's Artist of Russia Yuri Stoyanov said that Nikita Mikhalkov has not only his own film language, but also a special method of working with artists. The actor added that Mikhalkov is not afraid to combine theater and cinema, and artists organically exist in a grotesque form.

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