Mikhalkov says Russian directing has lost individuality

Director Nikita Mikhalkov argued that the level of directing in Russia has declined, linking the change to easier access to filmmaking technology. HELLO! reported the remarks after a creative event in Zabaykalsky Krai.

Mikhalkov said he sees a loss of individuality among directors as part of the problem. He pointed to contemporary television series and said, in his view, they do not sustain a wide shot for long enough.

“With phones, everyone can become a director. All that is left is to say ‘Action!’ and that’s it,” said the director of Burnt by the Sun and 12. He described the ability to hold a wide shot as a way to show a director’s individual style.

HELLO! said the comments were made at a creative evening held as part of the 5th Oleg Lundstrem Festival in Zabaykalsky Krai. Lenta.ru relayed the remarks, citing the magazine. Mikhalkov had earlier urged Russians not to be embarrassed by their language and said city signs should be displayed in Russian. His comments about the state of directing are his assessment, not a report about a specific production or a change to industry rules.