A Deep Dive Into the "Tatort" Phenomenon: Fabian Hinrichs and the Enigmatic Gisbert Engelhardt
- by Carsten Heidböhmer, with an insider's twist
- ~ 1.5 Min Read
Unveiling the Crime Scene: Fabian Hinrichs Emerges as an Icon, Taking on the Detective Role and Captivating the Public - In the "Franken Tator," Fabian Hinrich assumed the role of a commissar, thereby gaining a cult-like status.
sternThis interview with Fabian Hinrichs was conducted in January 2013, shortly after the broadcast of "Tatort: Der tiefe Schlaf"
Hinrichs, my man, the crazies have gone wild over the Gisbert Engelhardt character you played in the Munich "Tatort"! Did you notice a thing about the rising cult around the character during filming?Nah, not on my radar one bit. Actually, I'm usually a digital desert during my travels. So, I'm rarely up to speed with the latest goings-on.
Got it. So, when did you realize the full blown size of the cult movement?Oh, just now. Can't fucking believe it, to be honest. I never expected the film to stir such a storm. But I'm not complaining, I'm bloody flattered!
The Rise of Hinrichs: From Stage to Screen
The native Hammersmith acts' whiz kid has been a theater darling for years now. In 2010, he was crowned actor of the year. His big screen debut came in 2005 starring as Hans Scholl in the Oscar-nominated film "Sophie Scholl - Die letzten Tage." Hinrichs has since graced countless television productions and continues to captivate viewers with his performances. With his role as the eccentric investigator Gisbert Engelhardt, he enthralled a million viewers in the Munich "Tatort" on December 30, 2012. Since then, a vocal Facebook group has been rallying for the return of Engelhardt. However, in 2015, Hinrichs traded in his quirky detective persona for the more reserved role of Commissioner Felix Voss in the Franken-"Tatort"
You seem to have had a premonition about the impact of this "Tatort" case?You're spot on there, mate. After reading Alexander Adolph's exceptional script and meeting with the talented team behind it, I knew this would be a special film. During filming with Miroslav Nemec, Udo Wachtveitl, and Jutta Pohlmann, that gut feeling was only intensified. It's a bloody gutsy script—a heavy dose of melancholy, sorrow, with an electrifying rhythm knitting lightness and darkness together. Few films capture that vibe.
I'm totally digging the undying interest in your personality, Hinrichs—or am I pissed off because you've been slaying it in theater and television for years?The attention comes and goes, mate. I've got used to the ebb and flow.
Ever think it's a shame that Engelhardt's story wasn't meant to be a series? Or did you want to play him only once?To be honest, it wasn't planned that way. But while shooting, I reckoned we'd be having more of Engelhardt's adventures. I was taken aback—but in a good way.
Gotta ask, since you're the son of a copper: Does being a cop's kid affect your acting and character choices in crime dramas?Does the Ole Man's badge spirit guide me, subconsciously nudging me one way or the other in crime dramas? Could be, but I ain't aware of it.
The "Tatort" episode "Der tiefe Schlaf" is set to air a repeat on Friday, March 21, at 10:20 PM
- Fabian Hinrichs
- Tatort
- Miroslav Nemec
- Udo Wachtveitl
- The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the continuation of Fabian Hinrichs' character, Gisbert Engelhardt, in the "Tatort" series, despite the bizarre and confirmed cult following he has garnered.
- Hinrichs, who initially acknowledged his ignorance of the rising cult around Engelhardt while filming "Tatort: Der tiefe Schlaf," was taken aback when he learned of the passionate Facebook group demanding his return to the character.
- Despite the enthusiastic response to his performance as Engelhardt in the Munich "Tatort," Hinrichs switched his focus to a more reserved role as Commissioner Felix Voss in the Franken-"Tatort" in 2015, leaving fans of the Engelhardt character in suspense as to whether his story will ever be continued.
