Wikipedia

Vladimir Menshov

Vladimir Valentinovich Menshov (Russian: Влади́мир Валенти́нович Меньшо́в; 17 September 1939 – 5 July 2021)[1] was a Soviet and Russian actor and film director.[2][3] He was noted for depicting the Russian everyman and working class life in his films. Although Menshov mostly worked as an actor, he is better known for the films he directed, especially for the 1979 melodrama Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.[4][5] Actress Vera Alentova, who starred in the film, is the mother of Vladimir Menshov's daughter Yuliya Menshova.[6]

Vladimir Menshov
Menshov in 2018
Born
Vladimir Valentinovich Menshov

(1939-09-17)17 September 1939
Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, Soviet Union
Died5 July 2021(2021-07-05) (aged 81)
Moscow, Russia
NationalityRussian, Azerbaijani
EducationGerasimov Institute of Cinematography
Occupation(s)Actor, director, screenwriter, producer
Notable work
SpouseVera Alentova
ChildrenYuliya Menshova
Awards

Biography

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Menshov was born in a Russian family in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR.[7] His father, Valentin Mikhailovich Menshov, was a sailor and later an NKVD officer; his mother Antonina Aleksandrovna Menshova (née Dubovskaya) was a housewife. Because of his father's work, the family lived in Baku, Arkhangelsk and Astrakhan.[8]

As a teenager Menshov worked as a machinist student at a factory, at a mine in Vorkuta, as a sailor on a diving boat in Baku, and also as an understudying actor at the Astrakhan Drama Theater.[9] In 1961 he entered the acting department of the Moscow Art Theatre School. During the second year he married actress Vera Alentova who was also studying at the same theatre school.[10] In 1965 he graduated from the acting department.[11] After graduating, he worked for two years as actor and assistant director at the Stavropol Regional Drama Theater.[9]

In 1970 he graduated from the VGIK postgraduate course in the department of feature film direction[11] (Mikhail Romm's workshop).[12]

From 1970 to 1976, Vladimir Menshov worked under contracts at the film studios Mosfilm, Lenfilm and the Odessa Film Studio.[13] He made a short thesis film On the Question of the Dialectic of the Perception of Art, or Lost Dreams,[14] wrote the stage version of the novel Mess-Mend by Marietta Shaginyan, which was staged at the Leningrad Youth Theater,[15] and wrote the script I'm Serving on the Border at the request of Lenfilm.[2]

In those years his cinematic acting career began: he starred in the title role in the thesis work of his classmate Alexander Pavlovsky Happy Kukushkin.[13] The film was shot at the Odessa Film Studio.[16] Vladimir Menshov also was a co-author of the script. The picture received the main prize at the Molodist-71 Kiev Film Festival[17][16] Menshov starred in a 1972 film by Alexei Sakharov called A Man in His Place.[15] In 1973 Menshov was awarded the first prize for the best performance at the VI All-Union Film Festival in Almaty.[18][19]

As an actor, Vladimir Menshov has 117 credits. Some of the most popular films that feature him include How Czar Peter the Great Married Off His Moor (1976),[16] Where is the Nophelet? (1987),[20] Night Watch (2004), Day Watch (2006) and Legend № 17 (2013).[21]

Menshov's directorial debut took place in 1976, it was the film Practical Joke.[22] Menshov's second picture, Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears became one of Russia's box-office record holders, was awarded the State Prize of the USSR, and then the Oscar (1981) as the Best Foreign Language Film.[23] The film tells the story of lives of three women over two decades. It was also a box-office hit.[24]

In 1984, Menchov directed the film Love and Pigeons based on the play of Vladimir Gurkin.[25]

Vladimir Menshov also directed the following films: What a Mess! (1995),[22] The Envy of Gods (2000), and The Great Waltz.[13] The Great Waltz was not finished.[26]

He wrote screenplays for the films I Serve on the Border (1973), The Night Is Short (1981), What a Mess! (1995), The Great Waltz (2008),[13] was the producer of several films, among which: Love of Evil (1998), Chinese Service (1999), Quadrille (1999), The Envy of Gods (2000), Neighbor (2004), A Time to Gather Stones (2005), Shawls (2006), and The Great Waltz.[9]

In 2004, Menshov was the host of the Channel One show Last Hero.[27]

Vladimir Menshov was the general director and art director of "Film Studio Genre", which is a subsidiary of Mosfilm.[14]

In 2011 as the chair of the Russian Academy Award committee he refused to co-sign the decision to nominate Nikita Mikhalkov's film Burnt by the Sun 2: The Citadel as the Russian submission for the 2011 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.[28]

He expressed support for the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation[29] and was blacklisted in Ukraine in 2015 as a result.[30]

Awards

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President Vladimir Putin awards the 2nd Degree Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" to Menshov on 24 May 2017

Vladimir Menshov – Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1984),[14] People's Artist of Russia (1989),[22] winner of the State Prizes of the RSFSR (1978,[22] for the film Rally) and the USSR (1981,[22] for the film Moscow Does not Believe in Tears).

  • The Order of Merit for the Fatherland, IV degree (1999)[14]
  • The "For Services to Moscow" badge (30 July 2009)[2]
  • The Order of Merit for the Fatherland, III degree (2010)[14]
  • The Golden Eagle Award as Best Supporting Actor in Legend No. 17 (2014)[31]
  • The Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree (2017)[14]

Political views and career

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At the elections to the State Duma in 1995, Menshov was included in the federal list Trade Unions, Industrialists of Russia, Labor Union. In 1999, he was a member of the presidium of the All Russia party. He ran for the post of vice-governor of the Moscow region together with Anatoly Dolgolaptev. In April 2001, he signed a letter in support of the recently elected Russian President Vladimir Putin's policy on Chechnya.[32][33]

In 2003, Menshov joined the United Russia party.[34] In an interview with Esquire magazine in 2010, he stated that he joined it by accident and regrets it and treats the party's activities with irony, but does not leave its ranks in order to avoid scandal.[35] However, in the 2016 legislative election, Menshov became a trusted representative of United Russia.[36]

In 2007, answering a question about a possible third term for Vladimir Putin's presidency, Menshov said that he was "sharply negative" about this scenario and criticized his colleagues who said there were no alternatives to the current head of state.[37] During the 2018 presidential election, Menshov became one of Putin's trusted representatives.[38][39] However, in 2016, Menshov claimed that he always voted for the communists[40] and positively assessed the Soviet Union.[41]

In 2011, Menshov gave an interview about his political views, where he stated: "Over the years, it has become completely clear to me: if you take the path of anti-Sovietism, you will certainly come to outright Russophobia."[42]

Menshov supported the annexation of Crimea by Russia[43] and expressed his opinion on the need for "reunification" with Donbass,[44] and gave Zakhar Prilepin 1 million rubles in aid "for Donbass." In 2017, the Security Service of Ukraine banned Menshov from entering the country for a period of 5 years.[45]

Menshov planned to run for the State Duma in the 2021 legislative election from the A Just Russia party on its federal party list.[46]

Personal life and death

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Menshov married actress Vera Alentova in 1962. They had a daughter, Yuliya Menshova.

He died at age 81, as a consequence of COVID-19.[47]

Partial filmography

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As a director

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Year Title Notes Ref(s)
1976 Practical Joke [16]
1979 Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears [16]
1984 Love and Pigeons [16]
1995 What a Mess! [16]
2000 The Envy of Gods [48]

As an actor

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Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
1970 Happy Kukushkin Pashka Kukushkin Short film [16]
1972 A Man at His Place Semyon Bobrov [15]
1976 How Czar Peter the Great Married Off His Moor Officer [16]
1977 Practical Joke Vladimir Valentinovich Uncredited role [49]
1982 Under One Sky Pavlov
1983 Magistral Potappov
1984 Love and Pigeons Cameo Also directed [50]
1987 Courier Oleg Nikolaevich [16][48]
1987 Where is the Nophelet? Pavel Golikov [51]
1989 Zerograd Prosecutor [15]
1991 Abdullajon Navlo Buchko [52]
1992 The General Georgy Zhukov [15]
1993 In Order to Survive Oleg Also known under the title Red Mob [53][54]
1995 What a Mess! Russian President [21]
1997 Tsarevich Alexei Menshikov [48]
1999 8 ½ $ Spartak [55]
2002 Spartacus and Kalashnikov colonel Egorov
2004 Night Watch Geser [56]
2004 Diversant General of military intelligence Kalyazin [16][21]
2006 Day Watch Geser [56]
2007 The Apocalypse Code Kharitonov [2]
2007 Liquidation Georgy Zhukov Television miniseries [57]
2009 O Lucky Man! Oleg Genrikhovich
2011 Lucky Trouble Tryokhgolovich [56]
2011 Generation P Farseykin [57]
2012 Legend No. 17 Eduard Balashov [56][21]
2013 Möbius Cherkachin [58]
2014 Ekaterina Bestuzhev [56]
2016 After You're Gone Father [59]

References

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  1. ^ Умер Владимир Меньшов. Tass.ru. 5 July 2021
  2. ^ a b c d "Владимир Валентинович Меньшов. Биографическая справка". RIA Novosti. 17 September 2009.
  3. ^ "Владимир Меньшов, биография, новости, фото – узнай все!". uznayvse.
  4. ^ Peter Rollberg (2009). Historical Dictionary of Russian and Soviet Cinema. US: Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 445–447. ISBN 978-0-8108-6072-8.
  5. ^ "The 53rd Academy Awards (1981) Nominees and Winners". oscars.org. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  6. ^ "Covid-19 kills Russian director Vladimir Menshov". ft.com. 6 July 2021.
  7. ^ "Oscar-winning Russian Director Vladimir Menshov dies from COVID-19 complications". TASS. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  8. ^ "Меньшов Владимир - Биография - Актеры советского и российского кино". rusactors.ru. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  9. ^ a b c "ВЛАДИМИР МЕНЬШОВ". Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  10. ^ Умер режиссер Владимир Меньшов: последние фото
  11. ^ a b "Союз кинематографистов назвал место похорон Меньшова" (in Russian). 5 July 2021.
  12. ^ "Мастерская Народного артиста РФ В.В. Меньшова, В.В. Алентовой". vgik.info. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  13. ^ a b c d Ушёл из жизни актёр и режиссёр Владимир Меньшов. Биография
  14. ^ a b c d e f "Биография Владимира Меньшова" (in Russian).
  15. ^ a b c d e Герой общего времени
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k «Я при жизни узнал, что меня любят». Каким запомнился Владимир Меньшов
  17. ^ Владимир Меньшов
  18. ^ Биография Владимира Меньшова
  19. ^ «Я не могу казаться, я могу только быть»: Владимиру Меньшову – 80!
  20. ^ Памяти Владимира Меньшова: вспоминаем самые выдающиеся работы режиссера
  21. ^ a b c d "Вспоминаем знаковые роли Владимира Меньшова — от президента России до начальника Ночного дозора | Канобу". 5 July 2021.
  22. ^ a b c d e "Умер кинорежиссер Владимир Меньшов" (in Russian).
  23. ^ "Oscar-winning Russian Director Vladimir Menshov dies from COVID-19 complications".
  24. ^ "Vladimir Menshov Dies: Director Of Oscar-Winning Soviet Film 'Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears' Was 81". Deadline. 7 July 2021.
  25. ^ "Стиль в фильмах Владимира Меньшова: за что мы любим эстетику отечественного режиссера". GQ (in Russian). 5 July 2021.
  26. ^ Владимир Меньшов: я во всем и всегда полагаюсь на судьбу
  27. ^ Фомина, Оксана (4 November 2004). "Владимир Меньшов: На "Последнем герое" моя жена роскошно отдохнула!". Kp.ru -.
  28. ^ "Почему Владимир Меньшов отказался выдвигать "Цитадель" Михалкова на "Оскар"". delo.ua (in Russian). 22 September 2011. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  29. ^ Valentina Oberemko (30 April 2014). "Владимир Меньшов: "Россия наконец-то перешла от слов к действиям"". Argumenty i Fakty.
  30. ^ ""Черный список" известных россиян на Украине комментируют Меньшов, Алферова, Лоза". Moskovskij Komsomolets. 14 July 2015.
  31. ^ "'Legend No. 17' Wins Golden Eagle as the Best Russian Movie". The Hollywood Reporter. 31 January 2014.
  32. ^ Стреляный, Анатолий (9 April 2000). "Русская обида (Письмо двадцати одного)". Радио Свобода (in Russian). Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  33. ^ "Ответ российских деятелей культуры на письмо европейских интеллектуалов". Журнал Неволя (in Russian). Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  34. ^ "Алсу вступила в ряды артистов-единороссов". NEWSru.com (in Russian). 20 June 2007. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  35. ^ Andrei Loshak (April 2010). "Всё едино". Esquire Russia № 54. Archived from the original on 16 April 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  36. ^ "Известные экономисты и деятели искусства стали доверенными лицами ЕР". РИА Новости (in Russian). 2 September 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  37. ^ "C КЕМ ВЫ, МАСТЕРА КУЛЬТУРЫ?". Газета Труд (in Russian). 27 October 2007. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  38. ^ "Режиссер Меньшов призвал петербургскую молодежь поверить в Путина // Новости НТВ". НТВ (in Russian). 1 March 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  39. ^ "На московском стадионе «Лужники» прошел митинг в поддержку Владимира Путина. Новости. Первый канал". 1tv.ru (in Russian). 3 March 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  40. ^ "Нужно понять, чего хочет народ". Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  41. ^ Шаблинская, Ольга (24 February 2017). "Владимир Меньшов: у нас цензура рубля, а не государства". AiF (in Russian). Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  42. ^ Матизен, Виктор (2 March 2012). "официальный сайт Гильдии киноведов и кинокритиков России". kinopressa.ru. Archived from the original on 30 January 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  43. ^ Оберемко, Валентина (30 April 2014). "Владимир Меньшов: «Россия наконец-то перешла от слов к действиям»". AiF (in Russian). Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  44. ^ Шаблинская, Ольга (24 August 2017). "Владимир Меньшов: «Запад нашёл ещё один повод демонизировать Россию»". AiF (in Russian). Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  45. ^ "СБУ запретила режиссеру Меньшову въезд на Украину". NEWSru.com (in Russian). 4 September 2017. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  46. ^ "Съезд новой партии «Справедливая Россия – За Правду» утвердил первую пятерку партийного списка". echo.msk.ru (in Russian). 26 June 2021. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  47. ^ Times, The Moscow (5 July 2021). "Director Vladimir Menshov Dies at Age 82". The Moscow Times. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  48. ^ a b c "Российский актер и режиссер Владимир Меньшов умер на 82-м году жизни". dw.com.
  49. ^ Владимир Меньшов: за что мы любим и будем помнить народного режиссёра
  50. ^ Фигура третья, разлучная
  51. ^ Умер Владимир Меньшов. rbc
  52. ^ Умер Владимир Меньшов. gazeta.uz
  53. ^ Zemlyanukhin, Sergey; Segida, Miroslava (1994). Фильмы России: 1991–1994. Izdatelʹskai︠a︡ gruppa "Progress". p. 136. ISBN 5010044501. OCLC 35283407.
  54. ^ "Red Mob – Vinegar Syndrome". Vinegar Syndrome. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  55. ^ 8 1/2 долларов: review (in russian)
  56. ^ a b c d e Ученик токаря, получивший "Оскар". Ушел из жизни Владимир Меньшов
  57. ^ a b Умер режиссёр Владимир Меньшов
  58. ^ "Film Review: 'Mobius'"
  59. ^ «Каждая картина — культовая»: Сергей Безруков простился с Владимиром Меньшовым
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