In front of the lens, Ralph Fiennes is a gloriously eclectic performer. From big dramatic productions on home soil, to Hollywood blockbusters, he’s a man of variety. Behind the lens, however, he directs profound, important tales and his latest is in that vein – telling the story of Russian ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev, with Oleg Ivenko taking on the lead role.
To celebrate the film’s release, we sat down with the pair, as well as the venerable screenwriter David Hare, to discuss this striking true story. Ivenko discusses what is his very first feature film (in Russian, we should add), while Fiennes explains why he sought to hire a dancer who could act, as opposed to an actor who could dance. He also discusses the important of art, and our commitment to making it at any cost – a prevalent theme within this title. Hare also comments on the issue, while we also get him talking on the subject of Brexit, because why not.
Watch the full interviews below:
Synopsis
Young Rudolf Nureyev becomes a top ballet dancer in Russia, but a life-changing visit to Paris soon makes him seek asylum in France.
The White Crow is released on March 22nd