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Yakov BrandDoctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the Department of Emergency Cardiac Surgery at the Sklifosovsky Institute of Emergency Care. Honored Doctor of the country.
Date of Birth: 20.05.1955
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Cinephile and Surgeon
- Cinema Preferences
- Criticism of Television
- Appreciation of Actors
- Memorable Movies
- Lack of Medical Films
- Proposed Film Adaptations
- Longing for the House of Cinema
Cinephile and Surgeon
Childhood Cinema MemoriesYakov Leonidovich Bakulev, a renowned Soviet and Russian cardiac surgeon, confessed to being an avid movie enthusiast. However, he rarely frequented theaters due to his aversion to the ubiquitous popcorn aroma. At home, he boasted an extensive collection, recently gifting his son with 400 cassettes.
Cinema Preferences
Bakulev preferred family-friendly films but would indulge in action flicks when feeling particularly weary. He held a particular fondness for James Bond movies and documentaries, both single films and series. Notably, he praised the 18-part "The Last Myth" by Vladimir Sinelnikov, which chronicled World War II.
Criticism of Television
Bakulev was deeply critical of contemporary television cinema, particularly its focus on graphic violence and gore. He expressed a longing for good films and comedies, lamenting the decline of classics like "The Caucasian Captive."
Appreciation of Actors
Among Russian actors, Bakulev admired Vladimir Mashkov, Oleg Menshikov, Sergei Bodrov Jr., and Viktor Sukhorukov. However, he found that female actresses were often lacking in talent. As he explained, beautiful women were no longer found in prestigious acting schools like VGIK but rather in nightclubs.
Memorable Movies
The most salacious film Bakulev ever witnessed was "Anatomy of Love," which featured a prolonged kiss on the abdomen. As a child, he had attended multiple screenings just to experience those 15 seconds. He also fondly recalled a film about a doctor who discovered antibiotics, starring Iya Savvina.
Lack of Medical Films
Bakulev believed that medical films were difficult to create because the medical profession lacked action and drama. He acknowledged that American medical dramas like "ER" had their merits but noted that they often relied on implausible scenarios.
Proposed Film Adaptations
Bakulev suggested several literary works that he would like to see adapted to film, including works by Prosper Mérimée, science fiction, children's books, and Biblical stories. He also emphasized the potential for adapting the KGB archives, revealing the horrors perpetrated during the Soviet era.
Longing for the House of Cinema
Bakulev expressed a sense of nostalgia for the House of Cinema, which had once been a prestigious hub for film premieres. He envisioned a return to its former glory, with an exclusive restaurant and a ban on popcorn.
