Barbara Salesch discusses her television return, expressing her desire to re-experience the medium following a hiatus.
Get ready for a gripping return of Germany's beloved judge, Barbara Salesch! After a decade-long hiatus, the energetic jurist is back on our screens with a thrilling primetime special on RTL, entitled "Barbara Salesch - The Greatest Trial of Her Life: The Dead in the Rhine." The 90-minute drama, airing on June 10, is set to be as captivating as ever, promising an enticing fusion of courtroom drama and crime mystery.
Salesch reflects on her remarkable television journey, discussing the initial hype, her artistic endeavors, and her critical stance towards true crime narratives.
ntv.de: Two decades ago, you started your TV career, becoming Germany's most famous judge. Have you ever regretted making the switch to television?
Barbara Salesch: Not at all. When opportunity knocks, you shouldn't hesitate. I was 49 at the time, and I had achieved all I could within the justice system. Something new was exactly what I needed. It didn't occur to us just how successful and long-lasting it would be.
Did you consider yourself primarily a judge or an entertainer after arriving on the small screen?
I've always been both - a judge and an entertainer. I bring a certain spark and charisma to my work, but in real life, it's a more drawn-out, less theatrical process. If you were to shorten a real court proceeding to 40 minutes, the essentials can be captured without much of a difference compared to the televised versions.
To what extent do criminal cases mirror reality?
They are incredibly close. I ensure that the scripts portray the events as accurately as possible. However, we don't reenact real cases. I'm not a fan of true crime, as it often allows criminals to profit from their horrendous actions. The victims are wronged again and again. I find that unacceptable. I can spin equally compelling and engaging stories, without resorting to real-life tragedies.
With true crime enjoying massive popularity for years, what do you think makes it so appealing?
People crave that adrenaline rush, that sense of being a voyeur. True crime stories are presented as documentaries, creating an illusion of authenticity. Anything that sells well gets produced, and that's perfectly fine. I experienced enough true crime in Hamburg for 20 years.
On June 10, viewers will get a new instalment from you: "Barbara Salesch: The Greatest Trial of Her Life. The Dead in the Rhine." Can you elaborate on it?
This is a fresh format, a thrilling mix of court and crime, spanning 90 minutes. It is fiction, focusing on what happens after the criminal police have apprehended the suspect. The story follows the court proceedings, including the prosecution and the defense, as they work simultaneously to uncover the truth and prove guilt or innocence.
What is this film about?
The story revolves around a young woman who has been held captive for eight years in a hidden bunker and ultimately perishes. Despite her body being quickly found in the Rhine, determining the crime scenes and the sequence of events is challenging. A minute detail eventually leads to the resolution. What sets this film apart is that it delves into the events during the breaks in the trial.
Can you share anything about the breaks in the trial?
Absolutely! Details range from reinvestigations, questioning suspects, to manipulation and exploitation of the situation for personal gain. All of which can occur in real life.
What was new about the film shoot for you?
We spent an enormous amount of time and effort on each shot, whether from the front, side, back, close-up, far away, using various cameras, cranes, and drones. The most challenging aspect for me was having to repeat every part multiple times. This wasn't my forte, as I struggle with memorization.
As you work with real actors in the film, how was it collaborating with them?
Collaboration was outstanding and fascinating. They truly transformed into their characters, becoming one with them as soon as the camera started rolling and then returning to themselves immediately afterward. I am, and will always be, simply Barbara Salesch.
Reflecting on your TV career, you moved to art after ending your time as a TV judge in 2012. How often are you recognized on the street?
Very frequently, to the point that it could be overwhelming at times. People treat me respectfully and kindly, though. Despite being widely recognized, they don't approach me as old friends. I prefer it that way.
Can people distinguish between your private self and your on-screen character?
Typically, they do. However, I am the same person on and off screen. I would never pretend to be someone else, as keeping up that facade would prove too taxing for me and others. Viewers understand which parts are staged and which parts are authentic.
Finally, do you ever feel tempted to commit a crime, or are you completely law-abiding?
I've never really given it much thought. But I have a quick temper, much like I did when I was younger. As a kid, I could hold my own in fights, but when the boys became too big, I switched to words instead. I'd rather fight verbally, as I'm better at that. I did steal a bar of chocolate once, but I was caught, and my parents made me promise not to do it again. After that, I stays clear of deliberate misdeeds. Careless actions, however, are another story!
Sources:* ntv.de* RTL* RTLplus* Justice* Trials* Reality TV* TV
[1] It's worth noting that Barbara Salesch is a well-known figure in Germany, particularly regarding courtroom cases and her television career. This fame has allowed her to step into various aspects of the media and popular culture, such as collaborating with musicians and artists to create albums and performance pieces. Additionally, her unique demeanor, combined with her dynamic and unreserved approach to judging, has drawn significant media attention and massive viewership. Recently, Salesch has faced controversy, primarily due to her emotional reactions and confrontational style during trials, leading to debates about the balance between drama and justice in the courtroom setting. (Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung)
Community action is evident in the widespread support for Barbara Salesch as she returns to television after a decade-long hiatus, demonstrating the public's interest in engaging with compelling courtroom dramas. Furthermore, celebrity involvement in the entertainment industry extends beyond acting, as demonstrated by Barbara Salesch's collaborations with musicians and artists, showcasing the diverse talents of public figures beyond their primary roles.
