MOSCOW, February 19, Zhanna Staritsyna. The recently released film “The Master and Margarita” is already called the brightest premiere of the year. The main female role was played by Yulia Snigir. She spoke about working with German actor August Diehl, comparisons with Anna Kovalchuk and belief in mysticism in an interview.
— The secret of the film’s success is the love of Russians for Bulgakov's novel, successful casting, lack of foreign films at the box office or something else?
— “The Master and Margarita” is recognized as the most read book in our country. Of course, this sparked interest in the film. But it seems to me that this is not enough for large gatherings. People actively exchange experiences, the so-called “word of mouth” occurs, and this is exactly what worked. I have truly never received so many rave reviews and thanks before. I was tagged in posts on social networks every second, I didn’t have time to look at it.
As for the lack of competition, I think everyone enjoys watching movies and TV series at home. Even me, a film buff, a person who loves good picture and sound, is not so easy to drag into the cinema.
And a cast can be called successful only if the project is successful. I understand why sometimes a good film can get a large number of nominations, but I don’t really understand how one film can be the best, the best director in another, and the script in a third. But I’m not a theorist, of course, I may not know something.
— Many viewers compare your Margarita with the work of Anna Kovalchuk in the 2005 film adaptation. How difficult is it to abstract from such comparisons?
— This is the most mysterious topic for me, although such conversations are logical, I understand.
But how can you compare two actresses in completely different works? Well, not by the shape of the nose and other parts of the body. Bortko's series and our film have little in common; they are very different Margaritas, in my opinion. And then the taste begins and polar opinions on the same things: “The bullfinch is too weak-willed,” “The bullfinch is too harsh,” “The bullfinch is strong-willed and fragile,” “The bullfinch is too thin,” “The bullfinch is thin and unearthly”… To whom — sometimes there was a lack of devilry, for some, love between the Master and Margarita. All you have to do is trust your feelings and impressions of the result, and, I must say, they rarely let me down. In my filmography there are works that are showered with compliments, but personally I consider them bad. I won't give examples. (Smiles).
— Many people liked the film; they write that it is “a modern take on Bulgakov.” But there are viewers who are unhappy with the same thing. Does everything need to be modernized and adapted for the younger generation?
— In no case. I respect the classics and their careful reading. But at the same time, I think that the director should have some kind of point of view. I would like to understand what exactly he is talking about. This often applies to performances. Why take “The Seagull” for the thousandth time if you have nothing to say? We are not talking about any shocking stuff — about naked Zarechnaya or Boris Godunov in a gas mask, but the director must be visible.
Our film does not modernize anything, it talks about the context of writing the novel and at the same time makes you want to re-read the book , which is wonderful.
— Woland is played by August Diehl—were there any difficulties working with him? Is this similar to your experience of filming “The New Pope”, when you were a foreigner on set?
— There were absolutely no difficulties with August: he liked the novel, he was excited and somehow immediately joined in to the film crew. They worked well with Zhenya Tsyganov, constantly chatting in German and discussing their scenes in great detail.
I must say that with Jude Law on the set of “The New Pope” «I felt comfortable: he is an open person and a really good partner.
— The fact that you and Evgeny Tsyganov play the main roles has provoked increased attention to you in the press, not only as actors, but also as a married couple. Is it possible in the modern world to somehow protect yourself from hate and increased interest in your personal life? Or do you calmly react to yellow headlines?
—Oh, this is a difficult question. The fact that people like to bully each other upsets me. The slander is surprising, and there really is a lot of it. But then I remember that life is a hard thing, everyone has their own pain and suffering.
For example, when I am offered the role of a negative character, I start by understanding his weak point. Not to justify, but to understand. Probably everyone has their own truth. And yet there are always much more good words than bad ones. And considering how many people generally prefer to remain silent, we can assume that everything is in order overall. I would urge the yellow press not to ruin anyone's life — well, when it comes to serious matters. I’m not talking about myself now, but in general — sometimes such horrors come into view.
— “The Master and Margarita” is a mystical novel. Do you believe in mysticism, tarot or astrology?
—Not really. I made myself an astrological chart, it’s interesting to me. But rather, I see this as advice on what direction to work in. I believe in God more, although I didn’t come to this right away.