Gandhi (Arte): Oscar-winning biopic that no one believes

symbolic figure Jura ParkIn 1993, as billionaire John Hammond, Richard Attenborough blew up the screen by portraying the escaped sailor of those who served at sea. Great Escape and Yang-Tse’s Warshipbefore becoming a director.

a universal fresco

In 1962, an Indian official suggested that he make a film about Mahatma Gandhi. Attenborough then imagines a historical fresco with a universal message. The Indian Prime Minister tells Nehru: “My aim is to present Gandhi as the embodiment of nonviolence. Nowhere else in the world is there an organized rebellion against authority without brutality. The Indian people’s adherence to Gandhi’s vision was the peaceful end of British colonialism. Nehru promises that India will finance the film, but he dies in 1964 and everything is questioned.

Hollywood’s denial

Unfortunately, no one in the United States is interested in the project. Attenborough is selling the rights to the hit theatrical adaptation to finance it. MousetrapAccording to Agatha Christie, she persuaded the Indian government to provide a third of the budget, supplemented by producer Joseph Levine. In return, he must direct the war movie first. A bridge too loafter the thriller Spell, with Anthony Hopkins as a possessed ventriloquist. Attenborough then proposes to embody the latter, Gandhi. When the actor explains this to his father, he replies: ” No dear? So it must be a comedy! » Hopkins throws in the towel. Dustin Hoffman says he’s interested but prefers adventure very sweet. John Hurt without believing the audition. That’s when Ben Kingsley appeared, subscribing to small roles on television until now. The British actor of Indian descent not only looks like Gandhi but also acts and speaks like him.

Meticulous acting preparation

Ben Kingsley devoured the Indian leader’s writings, sifted through all the archives, went on a diet, practiced yoga and even learned to weave with a spinning wheel like his model! Following her instincts during filming, she explains: The camera hates us playing! He wants to film only one thing: behavior. You should know your text perfectly, then forget it to act natural. He’s so believable in his acting role that many Indians believe they’ve seen the ghosts of their spirit guide. After such a long journey, the film triumphed when it was released in 1982 and won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. According to Ben Kingsley: Mahatma’s presence guided us. We felt it. »

Gandhi: Monday 15 August at 20:50 at Arte

Pascal Pinteau