Freeserve Onegin Article

November 14, 1999

IT'S A FEINNES NIGHT

A film premiere turned into a Fiennes family affair when the movie clan descended for the launch of new film Onegin.

As well as leading actor Ralph Fiennes, who plays the title role, guests for the adaptation of the Russian classic included Martha, his sister and the award-winning director of the production.

Joining them were brother Magnus - who composed the score - and Joseph, whose credits include hit movies Elizabeth and Shakespeare in Love.

Another brother, Jake, and their dad, Mark, also put in an appearance for the screening at the Odeon West End in Leicester Square.

Martha had concentrated on pop videos and commercials before turning her attention to film, but her debut caught the attention of judges at the Tokyo International Film Festival who named her best director last week.

Commenting on calling the shots for her brother Ralph, she said: "He was very professional and it was a naturally respectful relationship."

And she said she had no problem with criticising him: "That's what siblings do best. They never have any inhibitions about it."

Ralph himself was complimentary about his sister's direction of the film, which hits cinemas on November 19.

"She was great and we worked together very well. We had healthy debates about what we should do in certain scenes."

Ralph, the film's executive producer, plays a jaded aristocrat in 19th century St Petersburg who kills his best friend in a duel and spurns the love of Tatyana, played by Liv Tyler, a young woman who is enchanted by him.