Actor Anatoly Vasilyev, famed for portraying Yura’s grandfather in the comedy series “Matchmakers,” spoke about director Vasily Shukshin in a recent interview. aif.ru provides a gentle and sensitive portrait of the veteran artist’s memories.
Vasilyev described Shukshin as a beacon of hope and a source of strength and power. He recalled that when a fee came from the director, it often covered a week’s worth of living, only to be followed by another round of sharp, teasing remarks. If one spoke with him frequently, the feeling of being blamed persisted. This blunt honesty, Vasilyev suggested, was part of Shukshin’s character and a hallmark of the guardianship attitude he showed toward his colleagues. (Citation: aif.ru)
According to the star, Shukshin was always ready to lend a hand to anyone facing trouble. He could stand up for the vulnerable and would not tolerate injustice toward those without power. Vasilyev emphasized that the director never mistreated the weak, yet could openly argue with those in power. This blend of courage and fairness, he noted, defined Shukshin as a man of integrity who defended truth in a world that often resisted it. (Citation: aif.ru)
Vasilyev further recalled that in the days leading up to Shukshin’s collaborations, the filmmaker showed intense emotion and a tendency to react strongly. He described Shukshin as someone who carried the weight of unfair treatment and injustices, which he believed tested his own sense of justice. The artist called Shukshin a creator with a pure spirit, whose work on beloved projects like Kalina Krasnaya reflected deep moral conviction. (Citation: aif.ru)
Shukshin’s early career encompassed acting credits in films such as “Men’s Talk,” “Mishka, Serega and Me,” and “Alenka.” Beyond the screen, he earned recognition as a director with notable works including “Stoves, Strange People” and “Your Son and Your Brother.” Vasilyev’s recollections position Shukshin as a rare talent who could wear multiple hats—performer, observer, and fearless storyteller—each role enhancing the others. (Citation: aif.ru)
The interview touched on the broader impact of Shukshin’s approach to cinema and mentorship. Vasilyev described a work environment shaped by genuine care for actors, a climate where hard questions were asked honestly, and where the pursuit of authentic emotion underpinned every frame. Through this lens, Shukshin’s influence extended beyond his films; he helped shape a generation of performers who value sincerity, courage, and empathy in their craft. (Citation: aif.ru)
In sum, Vasilyev’s memories offer a vivid window into a director who combined toughness with generosity, a man driven by justice and an unwavering commitment to truth in storytelling. His legacy, as recounted by colleagues and critics alike, endures in the way contemporary actors approach responsibility on set, the willingness to challenge power, and the enduring belief that cinema can reflect the best and the worst in people with honesty and respect. (Citation: aif.ru)