Jiří Macháček hasn't filmed anything for two years, but he's not lacking in self-confidence. I'm growing into the roles of princes, he joked
The actor and frontman of the band Mig 21 Jiří Macháček keeps his private life closely guarded, but attended the Czech Lion awards ceremony with his long-time partner Kristina Dufková, who won an award for the animated film Life to Devour. We spoke to the couple about, among other things, young actors and whether Jiří Macháček watches himself on television.
Jiří Macháček and Kristina Dufková are prominent personalities in the Czech film world, so it was no wonder that they attracted attention at the presentation of the Czech Lions. Kristina took home a prestigious award for the best animated film titled A Life to be Devoured. An animated film based on the book bestseller by Mikael Olliviere, with humor and accompanied by riotous songs, follows the first hardships, loves, and pitfalls of adolescence. Undoubtedly, this also includes the question of what luxury means in life. Jiří and Kristina don't have a direct answer to that. For the actor, it is an unattainable thing, and for the director, it is some kind of nonsense.
It's an unattainable thing. I don't know. Ask those rich people,
said the actor.
The Czech Lion was a celebration of Czech cinematography and artistic performances. When the topic of the film industry came up, we asked Jiří whether there's anything about it that bothers him or he feels is missing.
That's too complicated a question for me,
he reacted quickly. On the other hand, Kristina was clear: "People don't go to the cinema enough, although this may have changed a bit this year." The trend in recent years is clear, viewers increasingly prefer the comfort of home and streaming services, which doesn't benefit film creators financially. As a result, many of them have collaborated with platforms to ensure greater viewership and earnings.
The conversation also turned to young actors and their beginnings. Is it harder for them today than it used to be? "I think it's the same," answered Jiří. And what about his favorite movies? Does he have any that he constantly returns to?
We try to watch all those movies,
he said with a smile, indicating that he follows film production more comprehensively than repeatedly.
Some actors refuse to watch their acting performances, others watch themselves with a critical eye. Jiří hasn't filmed anything for two years, but his sense of humor remains. "I haven't filmed anything for like two years, so I only watch myself in the mirror. And that usually takes an hour, two, at most. "
Lately, there has been an influx of young, budding actors, for whom show business can be a big test. He would advise young actors not to engage in acting just for the sake of making money.
They should do it out of love,
he added. Both agreed that working in this field should be mostly about passion and the desire to tell stories. Without this, it is hard to succeed.
When we asked Kristina what role she would wish for Jiří, without hesitation, she answered: "Prince." Macháček nodded in agreement, laughing:
Well, you see, that's true. But I've already played a prince. It's true that I'm growing into the role of princes.
And what role is closest to him? More comedic or serious? Jirka didn't go far for an answer to this question. "Badly posed question, some other one," he jokingly spoiled the reporter and added that "when the role is good, it must show some signs, but we don't have time for that here."
Actors often do whatever is necessary for a film role and project. Jiří also had his share of experience in the movie Han's Ransom, where he had to shave his head. Changes in appearance, physical transformation, or even psychological preparation, all belong to acting. However, he did not reveal whether he would undergo some extreme transformation for a project again.
The Czech Lion is an annual event that attracts the attention of movie enthusiasts and the general public. It is not only about prizes and awards, but also about meeting people who create Czech cinema. Jiří Macháček and Kristina Dufková are proof of this.
Source: author's text, own questioning, Czech lion
