“It became much more exciting in the movie than it was real life,” Rogers told GameSpot.
But the Dutch game designer said the scene captured much of the emotions he and Pajitnov experienced.
“We were very careful to confirm that the Soviet Union’s accurately depicted,” Rogers said.
The game designer said that was always in the back of his mind.
“Alexey knew it was true, and we were taking big chances,” he added.
But the Tetris creator also said the scenes depict the burden he experienced.
Maxwell used his connection to Soviet Union president Mikhail Gorbachev to influence the deal–though he was unsuccessful.
Rogers added another element that loomed over Pajitnov.
“[Alexey’s] father was a dissident and basically lost his career.
Knowing that, he took this big risk,” Rogers said.
He added that how Rogers was treated by border guards upon arriving in Moscow was also close to reality.
“That’s real Henk and Alexey’s favorite scene.”
In Tetris,Pajitnov was initially skeptical of Rogers' intentions.
He tried to distance himself from the foreigner, but eventually welcomed him into his home.
“These guys have been friends now for over 35 years.
That was a very important thing for the film, to show their friendship,” Baird said.
“Because ultimately, it’s a Cold War thriller, fast-paced, fun movie.
But it’s also a buddy movie.”
Rogers recalled the breakthrough moment in their friendship, when he and Alexey bonded over coding in real life.
“That was the beginning of our friendship, which lasts till today,” Rogers said.
“If we’re in the same area–every other day, bottle of wine.”
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