Molochnikov: On "Anora", Trump, Russian Culture, and New Ethics
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Director Alexander Molochnikov staged his first play at the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater at the age of 22, becoming the youngest director ever to direct there. Since then, he has directed plays at the Malaya Bronnaya Theater and the Bolshoi Theater.
After the war in Ukraine began, Molochnikov left for the United States to study and never returned. Most of his projects in Russia have been closed, and he now directs plays in Manhattan. But has he become an American director? And what does it feel like to be a Russian director in America?
We met with Alexander Molochnikov in New York City and discussed his studies at Columbia University and his new work ethic. About the film "Anora" and the return of Russian culture to the global community despite the ongoing war. About whether a Russian actor can remain silent against the war and act in films in the West. About American politics, Trump's takeover of one of the largest theater centers in the US, and where all this might lead.
Special guest of the interview: Time magazine international columnist Simon Schuster.
#zygar #shuster #molochnikov
CONTENTS
00:00 — Introduction
00:42 — Is it shameful to be a Russian director now?
04:00 — How was "Anora" filmed, and why did Russian energy save this film?
06:26 — After "Anora," the word "Russian" took on a different meaning.
07:45 — Did Molochnikov have to justify being Russian?
09:02 — None of the actors in "Anora" spoke out against the war—why has this suddenly become unimportant in the West?
11:20 — Is "Anora" the return of Russian culture to the global community?
12:12 — "Yura Borisov is a genius, you don't need to tell him a damn thing..." about the war
14:09 — Those who didn't leave Russia haven't lost anything and are making movies in Hollywood. What was the point of speaking out about the war then?
17:36 — "The world is unfair and no one gives a damn about your statements"
20:00 — You discovered Mark Eidelstein, and now he's an American star—aren't you jealous?
21:33 — "I can't see my grandparents"
23:09 — Did Molochnikov regret leaving, and does he ever think about returning to Russia?
25:25 — "It's the same thing; America has the same censorship."
26:36 — What's the difference between America and Russia anyway?
29:13 — How is the New Ethics similar to the 1917 Revolution?
31:04 — Studying at Columbia University: three hours of New Ethics a week, three hours of safety classes
34:11 — "I don't see much difference from talking about important things."
37:35 — "I was the only straight, white, male representative."
38:24 — "You can't criticize your classmates' work—at all."
40:08 — Absurd safety rules at Columbia University
41:14 — Racial stereotypes in movies: what's wrong with them?
43:55 — Is it scary to speak your mind in America?
48:09 — How Trump's policies impact American culture
49:30 — "There was no LGBT theater culture in Russia; we didn't have time to build anything that could be torn down."
52:54 — Trump took over the Kennedy Center, one of the main theater and concert venues in the United States. Even Putin has never done that.
55:28 — How dependent is American theater on government funding?
58:48 — Molochnikov and Zygar debate why there are so few Asian actors in Russia.
1:02:44 — "I seriously doubt Trump's serious outlook."