HIS INFLUENCE CANNOT BE OVERSTATED
Writing a screenplay about Marshal Mannerheim is a very challenging project. I undertook the venture with sensations of almost awed respect, not only for his life’s work and achievements, but also for the political tensions and pressures his reputation still activate. His influence on the destiny of Finland cannot be overstated. Furthermore, his unique persona, dazzling charisma and cosmopolitan background did not make my job any easier as I wrote the first lines.But that soldier of countless battles and profound allegiances swiftly caught me up me in an amazing historical journey through eras when world orders were taken apart and stitched back together again.
As my work proceeded, he accompanied me through the vast Central-Asian continent on horseback, into the grand ballrooms of Imperial Russia - but also to the insanity and mayhem of war on many fronts. In his company I was able to meet the spiritual and the political leaders of the world – not to mention numerous beautiful women.
Mannerheim’s destiny was tied to the fate of his homeland, Finland. With his unquestionable authority he was able to steer the ship of state into a harbor which wasn’t easy to access: the independence of his nation.
He trusted his soldiers – and the people of Finland trusted him. And throughout his long life he was able to keep his sensitive mind open and to show endless interest in all fields of human existence, both significant and small.
After completing this journey with him, I wasn’t afraid of the magnitude of my task any more. With his example he has shown us all that mountains are made to be conquered, the rivers are made to be crossed.
It is my belief that the movie will take the audience on the same journey.
Heikki Vihinen
screenwriter