During Gerard Depardieu’s two-day visit to Kyiv the distinguished French actor met with President Yushchenko at his home in the village of Bezradychi in Kyiv oblast. The actor was presented with a souvenir: an embroidered shirt. On Wednesday morning, before visiting the Dovzhenko Studios, Depardieu met with several journalists representing the leading Ukrainian media (including The Day) at the Premier Palace. The actor said he intends to play the title role in the international film project Taras Bulba, using film crews from Ukraine, France, Poland, and Russia.
“I was captivated by the image of Taras,” admitted Depardieu. “In this film I would like to avoid scenes of violence because there are enough and to spare in Hollywood action movies. It’s important for me to show Taras Bulba’s psychological portrait as a father and warrior, as a Ukrainian patriot, a courageous man who did not hesitate to kill his son for treason. I’ve read both versions of Gogol’s story and I’m eager to start filming as soon as possible.”
Who is the screenwriter and who will be shooting the film?
G.D.: The script is being completed by Didier Lecquin and the film will be directed by Josee Dayan. I’ve worked with her before. She has experience with classics and historical films. Your audiences must remember this film director’s Les Miserables. As for the shooting schedule, it’s hard to give a specific date. I believe that shooting on location will be done in Ukraine or Poland. I specially came to see the Dovzhenko film studios. A number of organizational matters must be resolved immediately, so that we won’t have to waste time on them later instead of concentrating on the creative process. We plan a two-part picture. (The actor appeared to know nothing about the competition for best screenplay announced by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine, or about Viktor Hres, who has been trying to push his script for a number of years.)
I don’t think I’ll be revealing a secret when I say that our filmmaking circles expressed divided views after learning that the French will be making a film based on a classic Slavic story. Some welcome the idea that you, a film star, will play our classical hero, but others are adamantly opposed to it, claiming that “national coloration can be conveyed only by a Ukrainian actor.” Yuri Illienko, the prominent Ukrainian film director, declared that he will go on hunger strike if Taras Bulba is produced by a foreign crew.
G.D.: A hunger strike isn’t a good idea. Creative battles have nothing to do with politics. The cinema isn’t politics, there’s room for everyone. You said his name is Illienko? I think that when I visit Kyiv again, I’ll buy this film director dinner. We’ll talk things over, and I think I’ll be able to convince him that I can manage the Bulba role. I believe that the greatest possible number of people should know Gogol’s story, not just in Ukraine. The cinema implies vast audiences, so by making a screen version we’ll popularize this classical work. I’m not planning to caricaturize the image of Taras, but will try to show him as a man, a Cossack warrior, and a father...For example, Moliere’s Tartuffe is staged in many countries and we, Frenchmen, are only delighted by this.
This is not your first visit to Ukraine, and you know that our film studios haven’t actually functioned for a decade. Are you prepared for extreme situations that may arise during filming?
G.D.: I am prepared. Extreme situations often happen on shoots. I worked at an Indian studio in Calcutta. It wasn’t easy, but the film turned out just great. I came to Kyiv to see with my own eyes what we need to carry out our film project. If it’s equipment, we’ll bring it from France, no problem. We will shoot film and then we’ll study the rushes. In general, I think that everything will be just fine. You know, I have a feeling that this picture won’t disappoint viewers. I am enchanted by President Yushchenko, who is the patron of our film project. It was after meeting him that I was inspired by the idea of a joint Franco-Ukrainian production.
Then judging by your ardent desire to start working on this film, what the Western media are saying, that you are ending your acting career, isn’t true. Or will the Bulba role be your last one?
G.D.: Oh my, that yellow press! It is constantly making things up. I’m not quitting film. I have a great many plans and there are so many excellent works and roles that I dream of playing! Taras Bulba won’t be the last one, but one of many.
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Gerard Depardieu came to Kyiv with a group of businesspeople. The actor is also a well known businessman (he owns vineyards and is a wine producer). For example, last May he flew to the Crimea and visited the Massandra and Maharach vineyards. Depardieu admits that he wants to make “international wine” using Crimean and Transcarpathian grapes and French technology.
