In order for the film to be recognized by viewers and critics, the director carefully selects the acting team. Performers of different temperament and appearance find a place in this collective. Lev Polyakov played not only the main roles.
Childhood and youth
Each generation of people has their idols and cult professions. In the first quarter of the 20th century, cinema was a favorite sight of Russian citizens. Many boys not only watched the same tape many times, but also dreamed of appearing on the screen themselves. Lev Polyakov was born April 24, 1927 in an ordinary Soviet family. Parents at that time lived in the city of Morshansk in the north of the Tambov region. My father worked as a milling machine operator at an engineering plant. Mother was engaged in tailoring women's and children's clothes.
Polyakov learned to read early. Most of all he was attracted by Nekrasov’s poems. At school, the boy studied well. He loved to perform on stage with amateur performances. Most often, Leo recited the verses of his beloved poet. Best of all, in his performance sounded the famous poem "Once Upon a Cold Winter Season". On weekends, the future actor with friends must go to the movies. In the 30s, the first sound films began to appear on the screen. For the audience, accustomed to the "silent" pictures, this was a real miracle.
As a teenager, Polyakov was determined to become an actor. However, it was not so easy to realize your dreams. The fact is that friends and relatives did not take seriously his aspirations. After graduating from high school, Leo, along with a friend, became a cadet at the Higher Naval School, which was based in Baku. After the third year, he interrupted his studies and left for Moscow, with the intention of getting an acting education. Luck accompanied Polyakov. On the first attempt, he entered the Moscow Art Theater School.
The training program was not difficult, but Leo did not have a relationship with classmates. He had to drop out of school and move to Leningrad. In the city on the Neva, he served for several years in the troupe of the Bolshoi Drama Theater. The career of a talented actor developed well. But Polyakov did not receive full satisfaction from the work on stage. He wanted to act in films. After long doubts of advice with his wife, Leo returned to Moscow. Here he was accepted immediately to the third year of VGIK. Having received a diploma, Polyakov entered the service at the Theater Studio of the film actor.
On set
Polyakov played the first role in the feature film "Tales of Lenin." Lieutenant Baryshev in his performance looked very convincing. The textured appearance played an insidious joke with the actor. After this picture, Leo began to be invited to projects where the characters of "military, beautiful, hefty" were present. In the cult comedy directed by Eldar Ryazanov "The Hussar Ballad", the actor appeared in the image of the handsome Peter Pelymov. Few viewers know that during the filming Polyakov allowed himself several times to disagree with the venerable director. I did not agree and received a complete "shit." Ryazanov never later invited Lev Alexandrovich to his paintings.
The astute and observant actor Polyakov perfectly understood that cinema is a director's art. However, some directors listened to the performers. In the film "Michman Panin" Lev Alexandrovich played a supporting role. Thanks to several phrases that were not in the script, the image of a harsh officer was remembered by the audience. Similar precedents have occurred in other films. For such "tips" the actor was simultaneously appreciated and disliked.
Films and awards
Soviet cinema initially aimed at fulfilling a social order. Films were released not only for entertainment, but also to discuss problems arising in society. The cult comedy "Diamond Arm" is still enjoyed by the audience. Polyakov presented in this picture the image of the harsh and fair captain of the ship. In the historical film "Ataman Codr", the actor played the role of a decisive and wise ataman of the rebels who are fighting for the freedom of their native land.
In those days, actors did not receive awards and bonuses for representing the image of enemy officers. Polyakov convincingly introduced the French marshal in the film War and Peace. And the German general in the film "Front Behind Enemy Lines." However, the official bodies of the artists did not leave without attention. Lev Polyakov received the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR in 1988. Eight years later he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Russian Federation.
