Titled "Franz Rogowski's Honors and Inner Struggles: 'Dance Scenes Are More Difficult for Me'"
Celebrating Success: Franz Rogowski Clinches an Award for His Role in "Passages," a Controversial Film Known for Its Explicit Scenes
German thespian Franz Rogowski has run the victors' lap, earning accolades from the NYFCC for his exceptional performance as the lead in "Passages." The film, which created a stir in the US due to its explicit content, has bolstered Rogowski's chances of claiming coveted awards and even an Oscar nod.
The plot in "Passages" follows a tumultuous romance: Tomas, a German expatriate living in Paris (portrayed by Rogowski), finds himself ensnared in a relationship with Martin (Ben Wishaw), a Brit. However, Tomas's world becomes even more complicated when he crosses paths with Agathe (Adèle Exarchopoulos), leading him to engage in an extramarital affair.
To Spice Up or Not to Spice Up? - Directors and Nudity in Hollywood
Director Ira Sachs, a firm advocate for the use of mature themes, shares his thoughts on the erotic scenes that are integral to "Passages." He underscores the importance of discussing sexuality in a mature and candid context, arguing that it's a rare occurrence in Hollywood, which often shies away from such themes.
Rogowski, a versatile stage dancer and choreographer, had a different perspective on the matters at hand. In a candid admission, he confessed that he found dance scenes more challenging to tackle than the explicit scenes.
What Dances Have to Do with Love and Rejection
A stage performer with a penchant for dance, Franz Rogowski candidly discussed his dislike of dancing in a social setting. He described it as a nerve-wracking experience, characterizing it as an intimate display of vulnerability and longing. These feelings, which are central to dance performances, often leave him feeling uneasy.
The Intersection of Chaos: Rogowski, Toxicity, and the Human Condition
While the character of Tomas earned comparisons to toxic figures, Franz Rogowski views the portrayal with a more nuanced perspective. He believes that reducing such characterizations to simple labels is doing a disservice to the complexity and richness of human experiences.
Instead, Rogowski finds inspiration in human chaos—something that's not easily packaged or labeled. Reflecting on his evolution as an actor, he shared that his life has been a constant struggle to create an illusion of control, only to realize that ultimate chaos is the inevitable reality.
In the End
The lead role in "Passages" afforded Franz Rogowski the opportunity to craft a complex and engaging character that resonated with audiences on a deeper level. The film's quiet and introspective depiction of human relationships stands in stark contrast to the high-octane cinema blockbusters that dominate the industry.
This article was updated following Franz Rogowski's award win from the New York Film Critics Association NYFCC.
