Actor: Armenians were not alone in this tragedy
“The Story of One Earthquake”- a film by Russian-based film producer Ruben Dishdishyan and director Sarik Andreasyan, which chronicles tragic events of December 1988 in Armenia, will be premiered in 2016.
The story, set in an earthquake-ravaged Leninakan, tells about the strongest earthquake that happened in Armenia on December 7, 1988.
The main characters are Russian actors Konstantin Lavronenko and Mariya Mironova. Armenian actors Hrant Tokhatyan, Mikael Poghosyan, Tatev Hovakimyan, Armen Margaryan and Sos Janibekyan also star in the film.
The film will be submitted for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 88th Academy Awards.
A1+ has interviewed actor Armen Margaryan.
Was it important for you to star in such a film, Armen?
The film presents a tragic chapter in the history of Armenian people – a period when the Armenians found themselves in a difficult situation. A film was to be shot about those hard times and it was necessary to accurately convey to public the spirit of the earthquake. It was not just another film for me. There are films in which you simply star. But in this film, you do not think about primary or secondary roles or money, you think about the pain and grief and the way of presenting the tragedy in the right way.
Which character do you embody in the film? Will you tell us in a few words?
I embody an affluent businessman who is in love with one of the heroines of the film but she constantly rejects him. The man regularly gives the girl presents, and before the earthquake, he gives her a stone table which, in fact, later helps the girl survive the tragedy. When the earthquake hits the city, Armen (the main character), wanting to save his employees, tells them to hide under an arch. Unfortunately, the arch collapses and kills everyone. Seeing the death of his co-workers Armen experiences serious psychological distress and does not understand what is going on around him. Later, the hero is frequently seen moving corpses. When he meets the heroine he does not recognize her.
How close was this character to you?
I played such a profound psychological role at the theatre, but this was my first role in a film. At first, I even had some concerns about my acting. During the earthquake, I was very young, I perceived the tragedy in a different way but my perception changed over years. The plot and the realistic environment helped me enter into the character from the first seconds of shooting, experience and survive this period in a unique way.
What is special about this film compared to the previous movies in which you acted?
I starred in many films and had something to say in each film. Each role was unique in its own way, but I have never worked, to be more precise, I had little chance to work in such an organized and creative atmosphere. There were about 200 people working on the shooting stage, actors from different countries, but the work continued in an organized way without deviating from the schedule.
What response will the film receive in the international arena?
The film is based on one of the most important human values – compassion. Though the film is about the Armenian tragedy, this is a universal tragedy which does not know any nationality as the center of this tragedy is a human being. The film clearly shows that Armenian people were not alone in this tragedy. From this perspective, I think the film will be understood and perceived by the international community.
How would you assess modern Armenian cinematography?
Changes are apparent; many study abroad and localize international practice in our country. It is important that a film have a professional staff. It is high time we got rid of the word "professional" which implies that non-professionals are working with professionals. A film is a collective art; everyone should have their say in a film. In Armenia, an actor can reveal his/her potential and grow but there is no possibility for it. There are no programs, ideas and scenarios… Many actors want to embody the characters of their dreams but it is impossible to do it here [in Armenia]. Another problem is that we have educated a wrong audience with our entertaining films. It seems it has become easy to make today’s audience laugh heartily, but it is not true. Even a comedy should be presented with a great skill, it must make room for reflection, but we seem to be giving our audience food without spices.
-You have been working at the theatre for many years. Do you see the same problem there?
There is a lack of educated viewers at the theatre, as well. You stand on the stage and feel that people have just come [to the theatre] because they had a ticket or just to spend their time. However, the theatre is not a place for hanging out. It is a place where everyone, including the audience, is given a chance to speak out. It is a place where everyone is free to express his desires and why not, secrets, with the help of characters. The audience can see themselves in each character.
If you had not become an actor, what profession would you choose?
In all likelihood, I would choose a profession which would help me convey my thoughts and ideas to people. In any case, no matter what I chose, I would be involved in art. Perhaps I would become an artist. I can hardly imagine my life without art. It is here that I find freedom and flight of spirit.
