Mikhalkov’s 12

Nikita Mikhalkov (b.1945) Descendant of Russian nobility. Comes from a family of successful writers and artists; son of the “ twice-anthem-writer ” Sergei Mikhalkov. Descendant of Russian nobility. Comes from a family of successful writers and artists; son of the “ twice-anthem-writer ” Sergei Mikhalkov. Privileged, close to the inner circles of power. Privileged, close to the inner circles of power. Conservative views. Conservative views. Leader of the Union of Filmmakers. Leader of the Union of Filmmakers.

Nikita Mikhalkov Started early as an actor in film I Walk Through Moscow (1963). Started early as an actor in film I Walk Through Moscow (1963). Universally talented actor, starred in numerous films of many genres, including comedies. Universally talented actor, starred in numerous films of many genres, including comedies. Became one of the USSR’s most respected filmmakers. Became one of the USSR’s most respected filmmakers.

Early films directed by Nikita Mikhalkov: 1987 Dark Eyes (Oci ciornie), starring Marcelo Mastroianni (based on Chekhov ’ s Lady with a Lap Dog ) 1987 Dark Eyes (Oci ciornie), starring Marcelo Mastroianni (based on Chekhov ’ s Lady with a Lap Dog ) 1979 Five Evenings 1979 Five Evenings 1979 Oblomov (after a classical 19th cent. novel by Ivan Goncharov) 1979 Oblomov (after a classical 19th cent. novel by Ivan Goncharov) 1977 An Unfinished Piece for a Player Piano (based on Chekhov) 1977 An Unfinished Piece for a Player Piano (based on Chekhov) 1976 Slave of Love 1976 Slave of Love 1974 At Home Among Strangers 1974 At Home Among Strangers

Nikita Mikhalkov In the 1990s – 2000s, the dominant figure in Russian filmmaking industry. Organized, in 1984, a film production centre “ Three Ts ”. In the 1990s – 2000s, the dominant figure in Russian filmmaking industry. Organized, in 1984, a film production centre “ Three Ts ”. Joint productions with Western companies. Aesthetics “ for export ” (the opposite of his early films). Joint productions with Western companies. Aesthetics “ for export ” (the opposite of his early films). Allegedly, was going to run for presidency of the country. Allegedly, was going to run for presidency of the country.

Post-Soviet films directed by Nikita Mikhalkov: 2010 Burnt by the sun Burnt by the sun (a remake of Twelve Angry Men by Sidney Lumet, 1957) (a remake of Twelve Angry Men by Sidney Lumet, 1957) 1999 The Barber of Siberia 1999 The Barber of Siberia 1994 Burnt by the Sun 1994 Burnt by the Sun 1993 Anna: From Six Till Eighteen 1993 Anna: From Six Till Eighteen 1993 Remembering Chekhov 1993 Remembering Chekhov 1991 Close to Eden 1991 Close to Eden

Mikhalkov and his daughter Nadya receiving an Oscar for Burnt by the Sun in 1994

The Barber of Siberia : the most expensive film project ever in Russia (40 million dollars)

Tsar Nikita Strong supporter of Russian nationalism Strong supporter of Russian nationalism Has campaigned for Putin. Has campaigned for Putin Publishes manifesto: Law and Truth. Manifesto of Enlightened Conservatism 2010 Publishes manifesto: Law and Truth. Manifesto of Enlightened Conservatism Law and Truth. Manifesto of Enlightened Conservatism Law and Truth. Manifesto of Enlightened Conservatism Rejects Western models for Russia Rejects Western models for Russia “The euphoria of liberal democracy is over! It is high time to do things!” “The euphoria of liberal democracy is over! It is high time to do things!”

Twelve : the film

Russian Self-Concept: the Soul “Sensitivity, reverie, imagination, an inclination to tears, compassion, submission mingled with stubbornness, patience that permits survival in what would seem to be unbearable circumstances, poetry, mysticism, fatalism, a penchant for walking the dark, humid back streets of consciousness, introspection, sudden, unmotivated cruelty, mistrust of rational thought, fascination with the word […] all these are qualities that have frequently been attributed to the ‘Slavic soul’.” (Tatyana Tolstaya, Pushkin’s Children 6)

Questions What is the underlying theme of the film? What is the underlying theme of the film? How are Russia and Russians portrayed? How are Russia and Russians portrayed? Which scene or scenes remain in your mind, and why? Which scene or scenes remain in your mind, and why? Which characters are depicted in a positive light, and which negatively? Which characters are depicted in a positive light, and which negatively? How does the film end? Is the ending satisfactory from your point of view? How does the film end? Is the ending satisfactory from your point of view?