The 90s is a very controversial period for Russian cinema. Many frankly bad films came out. And almost all of them covered crime topics. And only a small part of the released rental paintings really deserves attention. One of the best films of the early 90s is considered to be the project of the director Victor Sergeyev according to the script of the playwright Igor Ageev “Genius”, whose actors are deservedly considered the legends of the USSR film industry.
Plot
The crime comedy “Genius”, whose actors and roles are known and loved by the domestic audience, has a plot that is relevant for that time period. The protagonist of the tape, Sergei Nenashev, is a young man who at one time was a successful theoretical physicist. Now, after the collapse of the Union, the hero has only a small vegetable shop. The hero had no choice but to try to earn a living with the help of criminal fraud. In the gangster world, Sergei is called the Pope, and law enforcement agencies have long been trying to squeeze him. Watching all these criminal ups and downs is a real pleasure.
About creating a film strip
The film was shot by Victor Sergeyev - a famous domestic director. When he worked on the film “The Executioner”, he met the playwright Igor Ageev. Igor spoke about the script he is working on. Victor was intrigued and offered to collaborate. The actors of the film "Genius" with Abdulov felt quite comfortable during the filming thanks to the sensitive guidance of the creative union of the creators.
Initially, the script was called “Potato Papa,” but during the preliminary work on the picture, the creators decided to dwell on a more sonorous and intriguing name - “Genius”. The actors involved in the production of films, before they were approved for the role, experienced many exciting and not always pleasant moments.
Interesting Facts
The first conflict arose during the selection of leading actors. The film company Lenfilm did not trust Abdulov, since there was no photograph in his profile. Larisa Belogurov censors Lenfilm considered an inexperienced actress. The film "Genius", the actors and roles of which were personally selected by the director personally, would not have been so atmospheric if Viktor Sergeyev had not defended his vision of the leading roles.
An interesting story happened with Sergei Prokhanov, who played the role of Kostya. The actor considered his hero very ugly and disgusting. That is why he asked the scriptwriter to "kill" his character. That Ageev and performed with great pleasure.
When the tape came out on the big screen, she immediately won the rental. In June 93, the film for a long time held the 2nd place at the box office for fees. The actors of the film "Genius" with Abdulov, having proved their professionalism, received a favorable assessment of critics.
"Papa" Abdulov
Alexander Abdulov in the film played the main role - Sergei Nenashev. At that time, he was already an honored artist of the RSFSR. The actor was born in the Tyumen region, in a small provincial town. From childhood, he had a craving for art: he made guitars and performed in theaters. From the second time he was able to enter Moscow GITIS. He was noticed at the first major performance by Mark Zakharov and invited him to perform in his theater. After this, Alexander’s career went uphill. The best works of his first period of creativity are: “Not Listed”, “Juno and Avos” and others.
The 70s, the actor was one of the most sought-after performers. Popularity came to him after playing the role of the Bear in the comedy “Ordinary Miracle”. Abdulov became a movie star of the RSFSR after the release of the movie "Do not part with your loved ones." The comedy "Genius", whose actors are a real constellation of stage masters, allowed Abdulov to try on a non-standard role.
Acting Ensemble
No less contribution to the popularity of “Genius” was made by other actors. The beloved woman of the protagonist, Nastya Smirnova, was played by Larisa Belogurova. She was not at that time as popular as Abdulov, but played with inspiration, not inferior to her stellar partner. A simple girl from Stalingrad quickly became popular. At first she played the role of romantic girls (“Sixth”, “Free Wind”). In the film “Genius,” she plays a naive 20-year-old girl. It's funny that the actress herself at that time was already 30 years old.
The role of Major Andrei Kuzmin was brilliantly performed by Yuri Kuznetsov. The roles of the cops work out especially well for him. This is due to the fact that his father, working in law enforcement agencies, often brought his friends to the house. The actor became famous thanks to such films as “Breakthrough”, “Dogs”, “The Art of Living in Odessa” and, of course, “Genius”. Actors colleagues Kuznetsova on the set, noted his non-standard approach to the role and complete dedication.
An equally significant role was played by Innocent Smoktunovsky, who played the Prince - the leader of the mafia gang. This actor amazed everyone around with his diversity and ability to play any role. With his presence, the master of cinema has decorated such projects as “Hamlet”, “Soldiers”.
Victor Ilyichev, Sergey Prokhanov, Georgy Martirosyan and a number of other actors also made a significant contribution to the tape.