In search of inspiration

An unusual excursion took place at the Maryina Roshcha station under construction on the Big Circle Line (Sheremetyevskaya). A famous director, theater and film actor, and screenwriter, Andrei Smirnov, came to get acquainted with the work of the metro builders. The guest of honor was accompanied through the mine workings and underground tunnels by Deputy General Director of SMU-8 Alexander Kormushin, who spoke about the technologies, stages and history of metro construction.

Andrey Sergeevich, today for the first time in your life you decided to go down into the metro mine. Does this have anything to do with your work?

Yes, I'm trying to write a script for a new film. One of his heroes is a metro engineer from 1952. This man is the husband of the main character. I was looking for different options for engineering work for his image. It seemed to me that the character of a metro builder would be the most suitable. Metrostroy in 1952 is the ceremonial part of the country's working class.

What will the film be about and when will it be released?

For now, I cannot reveal the secret plot of the new film. But, probably, one of the scenes will be filmed in a tunnel under construction. Of course, this will most likely not happen soon. It will take a year to write the script, another year to prepare for filming. So we’ll come back to you in two to two and a half years.

What impressions did you have from visiting the mine?

I've been riding the subway since I was a child. Both the stations and the vestibules were familiar to me and did not evoke any emotions. And when you see with your own eyes how it is done, the impressions remain enormous. The power and strength of man is amazing. After all, this is all made by human hands. Firstly, those who conceived it. Secondly, those who thought about and made the drawings. And the work of the working class here is colossal.

I was shocked by what I saw, how much work, intelligence and human strength was invested here. The construction of the metro is highly respected. It seems to me that everyone should see this, especially useful for young children. This expands the understanding of human capabilities.

Do you have a favorite metro station?

Naturally, I like Mayakovskaya with Daineka’s mosaic. This is the most talented station in terms of architecture and painting.

Our main professional holiday – Builder's Day – recently passed. What could you wish for the metro builders?

Metro builders inspire my admiration. I wish them health, long life and good luck in life and their hard work.

HELP

Andrey Smirnov – People’s Artist of the Russian Federation. He is known for such directorial works as “Belorussky Station”, “Once Upon a Time There Was a Woman”, “The Frenchman”. He played many roles in various films, including the main ones in the dramas “Elena” and “The Diary of His Wife”, in the series “In the First Circle”.