Symbol figure Jurassic Parkin 1993, in the role of billionaire John Hammond, Richard Attenborough exploded the sails of 1942, by transforming into the renegade sailor of Those who served at sea. British actor collects the role of a psychopath, takes part in Great escape and Yang-Tse Battleshipbefore becoming a director.

Universal wall painting

In 1962, an Indian official suggested that he make a film about Mahatma Gandhi. Attenborough then envisioned a historical mural with a universal message. To Indian Prime Minister Nehru, he recounted: “My goal is to present Gandhi as the embodiment of nonviolence. Nowhere else in the world has a rebellion against authority organized without brutality. It was because the Indians embraced Gandhi’s vision that British colonialism would end peacefully. Nehru promised that India would finance the film, but he died in 1964, and everything was called into question.

Hollywood Rejection

Unfortunately, no one was interested in the project in the United States. To fund it, Attenborough sold the rights to the theatrical adaptation of his hit Mousetrap, according to Agatha Christie, persuaded the Indian government to provide a third of the budget and obtain complements from producer Joseph Levine. Instead, he must first direct the war film The bridge tooenter, then thriller Magic, with Anthony Hopkins as the abductor possessed. Attenborough then offered the latter to embody Gandhi. When the actor announced it to his father, he replied: ” Really? So it must be a comedy! » Hopkins threw in the towel. Dustin Hoffman says he’s interested, but prefers adventure Tootsie. Audition John Hurt without believing it. It was then that Ben Kingsley appeared, until now subscribing to small roles on television. Not only does the actor, British Indian origin, look like Gandhi, but he moves and talks just like him.

Careful acting preparation

Ben Kingsley devoured the writings of India’s leaders, looked through all the archives, followed a diet, practiced yoga and even learned to weave on a spinning wheel, just like the model! During filming, he followed his instincts, explaining: “ The camera hates us playing! He only wanted to film one thing: behavior. You have to know your text perfectly, then forget about it to act naturally. The actor was so convincing in the role that many Indians believed they saw the ghost of their spirit guide. After a long journey, the film was a hit when it was released in 1982, and won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. According to Ben Kingsley: Mahatma’s presence guides us. We feel it. »

Gandhi: Monday 15 August at 20:50 at Arte

Pascal Pinteau