D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers (1979)
Cardinal Richelieu, as a character in numerous film adaptations of The Three Musketeers, is the main villain and intriguer. In his novel, Dumas, although he made him the main antagonist, nevertheless did not forget to constantly compliment him, not forgetting that he was a great man and the smartest politician.
The role of the all-powerful cardinal in our film "D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers" (dir. G. Yungvald-Khilkevich) was played by Alexander Trofimov. It should be noted that he played wonderfully. As Veniamin Smekhov, his colleague on stage at Lyubimov’s Taganka Theater, wrote: “he played sharply, smartly, and ironically.” But the actor was only 26 years old and for him this was his first film role.
He was noticed at Taganka (Trofimov played in a production of Bulgakov’s “The Master and Margarita”) and was invited to audition for the film “D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers.” But not for the role of Richelieu. He was offered to try out for the role of Rochefort, the cardinal's confidant (it was he, and Milady, who were the Gascon's main opponents).
The auditions took place in winter in Odessa, and due to weather conditions Trofimov, well, let’s say, was delayed. When he got to the Odessa film studio, Boris Klyuev had already been practically approved for the role of Rochefort; formalities remained. And the young actor was offered to take part in other auditions for the role of Felton. He was taken into the studio and given the text. At that time, Klyuev’s screen tests were taking place there, and the dialogue between Rochefort and the cardinal was being played out. Well, in order for Klyuev not to address an empty space, the director asked Trofimov, who was waiting in line, to play along with the actor in the frame. Trofimov agreed. They put a robe on him, sat him in a chair and the shooting began. Klyuev spoke the role, and Trofimov, without looking at his partner, answered him on a piece of paper. When the scene was almost played, Alexander Alekseevich noticed with his peripheral vision that everyone around was whispering. And at the end, after a short pause, Yungvald-Khilkevich came up to him and said: “You know, tomorrow we will do separate tests for you for the role of Cardinal Richelieu. And now we will select your makeup, try different costume options.”
The director initially looked for an older actor for the role of the Cardinal, because Richelieu was supposed to be about forty, and Khilkevich saw Mikhail Kozakov in his role. But after what he saw, he changed his mind. He was so captivated by Trofimov’s performance of the role that he chose his candidacy. But he still had to fight for this; the artistic council did not want to give such a significant role to an unknown actor who had never acted anywhere before.
But what a hero he turned out to be! One of the iconic and timeless screen personalities. A meeting with which we offer to enjoy in our “Film Quote” on the official channel of the Odessa Film Studio (@OdesaFilmStudio).
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