Director Emir Kusturica revealed his ambition to create a trio of films drawn from the works of Nikolai Gogol. He spoke to a major newspaper, sharing his vision for this cinematic project. He described Gogol as a pioneer of realist literature whose stories offer a depth and texture that cinema can amplify when presented in a triptych rather than a single frame.
According to Kusturica, the plan is to develop three distinct films anchored in Gogol’s character and social critique. He believes that tackling three narratives could leave a more lasting impression on audiences than even a single, carefully crafted painting might. He highlighted specific Gogol works such as “The Story of How Ivan Ivanovich Fights with Ivan Nikiforovich,” “Transport,” and “Sorochinskaya Fair” as prime material that illuminate the moral fabric and spirit of the communities Gogol depicted in Little Russia. He emphasized that these tales explore the conscience and personality traits of ordinary people caught in the everyday pressures of life.
The filmmaker also admitted that he remains uncertain about adapting the novel “Dead Souls” at this stage, weighing its potential against the purview of his broader Gogol-focused project.
Kusturica added that the first filmed installment would be selected soon, with the expectation that the chosen work would translate into a remarkable film, because Gogol’s oeuvre, in his view, does not lend itself to a failed adaptation.
Meanwhile, the theater world was abuzz with news that the Russian actress Chulpan Khamatova would star in the stage production titled “Gogol. Nature Mortelle” at the New Riga Theatre, underscoring Gogol’s enduring impact across both screen and stage realms.