Katie Crocker - Associate Editor
I had the chance to catch-up with Russian actor on the red carpet at the benefit screening event of “Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery” a documentary by Shelley Morrison and Walter Dominguez to support the museum of social justice, opening soon in L.A.
“Weaving the Past”, directed by Dominguez, is the captivating story of two remarkable men over one hundred years ago and their passionate dedication to social and economic justice in a time of great injustice and suffering.
Hi Elya, so nice to meet you. You’re one of my favorite Russians to watch on screen.
I’m embarrassed will you translate? Everyone calls me Russian and I’ve only made two movies in Russia (laughs).
It might have something to do with the accent I think. (laughs)
HaHa!
So, do you know Shelley and Walter?
No I just had the chance to meet them tonight. I read about the event online and came down.
So, your next project-
The film is now at Cannes, Jimmy P., about Jimmy Picard, starring Benecio Del Toro. It’s a very interesting story about an American Indian who came back from the Second World War not understanding what to do with his life. It’s a period piece. A lot of doctors thought that he was mentally disturbed when he was not. It’s a drama about the best minds in psychiatry.
That sounds fascinating-
They actually saved him from being incarcerated and being put in a mental institution for the rest of his life.
Can you tell me a little bit about your role in it?
There was a Dr. Yokel, he was a student of Freud and Jung. After the war, a lot of Jewish psychiatrists left and and formed the winter hospital in Kansas, where the best minds of psychiatry came together.
I’m looking forward to seeing it. It was nice to talk you, and enjoy the movie!
