Laughing at the Unique German Acting Phenomenon: Rufus Beck Opines On Playing Foreign Roles
Astonished Rufus Beck Reveals Unanticipated Ambition in German Project - German Enigma: Ponderings of Rufus Beck on Its Role
Rufus Beck, renowned actor, finds the peculiarity of German productions in casting German actors as foreign characters nothing short of comedic. "Nowhere else but in Germany you'd find such a thing. We're playing Scots, Venetians, even Swedes!" the 67-year-old shared with the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung".
One particular instance that stands out to him was a role in a Rosamunde Pilcher film. Dressed as an English lord, Beck worked in manor houses he'd otherwise never set foot in. Local residents in Cornwall were oblivious to the decades of German productions filmed there. Even in the "Croatia Crime" series, Beck's acting remained much the same, he declares, with only a cliched appearance - "but without the accent."
International and German productions show noticeable differences, Beck found, particularly during lunch breaks. On a French co-production's first day, he expected the usual beer benches and catering truck. Instead, he encountered a tent, three courses, and a grand finale of wine and cheese. "I could get used to that," says Beck, reminiscing about the culinary treat.
- Rufus Beck* Germany* Osnabrück* Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung
Behind the Scenes of German Productions:
German productions often cast German actors in foreign roles due to several factors:
- Cultural and Linguistic Affinity: By maintaining a cultural and linguistic consistency, productions aim to attract a broader European or international audience.
- Production Logistics: Casting German actors simplifies logistics such as language, location shooting, and post-production dubbing or subtitling, benefiting productions balancing budget and creative vision.
- Artistic Freedom: Directors and producers might prefer working with actors they know and trust, even if it means casting them outside their typical roles, offering creative control and a better fit for artistic visions.
- Market Appeal: Well-known German actors might be cast to attract a larger audience, even If portraying characters from other cultures, increasing the production's marketability within Germany and beyond.
In the world of German productions, it's common to find German actors playing foreign roles, as witnessed by Rufus Beck in a Rosamunde Pilcher film or the "Croatia Crime" series. This casting practice is rooted in factors such as cultural and linguistic affinity, production logistics, artistic freedom, and market appeal, allowing for a wider audience appeal within and beyond Germany.
Describing his experiences, Beck found that international productions, like the French co-production he worked on, offer differing lunch breaks, with grander culinary treats, like three courses and a wine and cheese finale.
