Individual in His Natural State: A Beastly Entity

Alexander Scheer: The Actor, the Musician, and the Man Behind the Art

"Individual demonstrates self-monstrous behavior"

In the world of German cinema, Alexander Scheer stands out as a force to be reckoned with. With two nominations for the German Film Award this year, this 48-year-old actor has been turning heads and stirring emotions with his powerful performances in "In Love, Yours, Hilde" and "Cologne 75." But Scheer's talent isn't confined to the big screen; he's also a captivating musician, often taking the stage to perform Gundermann songs alongside Andreas Dresen.

In an interview with ntv.de, Scheer discusses his double nomination, the significance of resistance and emancipation in film, and why he's always striving to challenge himself as an artist.

When it comes to your double nomination, do you see two good supporting roles as equivalent to one mediocre lead role?

Scheer laughs, "That's a good question. For me, there are no supporting roles. We're happy with any good work. Whether it's six days of shooting or 60. Good roles are rare, good roles in good films are even rarer, and good roles in timeless, immortal cult films or classics are almost impossible. I always start from scratch. I'm interested in everything I don't know. I know what I can do. I'm interested in what I can't."

Both films feature strong female characters at the center. Do you find that these roles are becoming more prevalent in cinema today?

"In the case of 'Cologne 75', it's about the 18-year-old Vera Brandes who told two gentlemen from the music business how it's done in 1975. That it took almost 50 years to make a film about such a strong female character is almost unbelievable. And it's still a man writing the book. The book is fantastic, and the film is too. But we're still not where we should be in terms of that." Scheer emphasizes the need for more diverse voices in filmmaking, particularly when it comes to telling stories about strong female characters.

Looking ahead to the awards ceremony, how do you rate your chances?

"I assume it won't happen. Godehard Giese is a fantastic actor nominated alongside me, a great colleague. I was nominated with him once before, and I won the award then. Now it's his turn. This year, there are three double nominations - leading actor, supporting actor, and music. I wonder why it's always the same colleagues? There are others who have been doing fantastic work for years and have never had a nomination or even an award. I feel honored, of course, but I also don't want to complain. But it shouldn't always be the same people." Scheer expresses his disappointment in the lack of recognition for other talented actors, but remains hopeful for the future.

In 'In Love, Yours, Hilde', you play a prison chaplain. How does this role resonate with you personally?

"It's a film about resistance. I play Harald Pölchau, a prison chaplain who witnessed over 1,000 executions during the Nazi era. And I actually have a personal connection to this character. My great-uncle died a few years ago at the age of 95. He was also part of a resistance group as a 16-year-old. He was in Tegel, Moabit, and even Plötzensee, and he once had contact with Pastor Pölchau there. He would have been executed if the Soviet army hadn't come and opened the prison." Scheer shares a deep connection to the role, having a personal family history with the historical figure he portrays.

Why are films like these so important in today's society?

Scheer passionately states, "We know far too little about resistance. It was young people who said: We want life. It's no different today. But we also say what we think, what needs to be said. Such films are enormously important. The Nazi era is the ultimate German taboo. We must engage with it much more openly, much more transparently. Because it's not just the Germans who were Nazis, the problem lurks everywhere. Mankind itself is a monster. One must be vigilant, keep one's eyes and ears open - and sometimes open one's mouth."

Your second nomination brought you the role of jazz producer Manfred Eicher in 'Cologne 75'. Do you have a personal connection to this figure or to jazz in general?

Scheer acknowledges his love for film and music, stating, "Playing a music producer, a jazz producer, was wonderful - Manfred Eicher is almost revered as a religious figure in the international jazz scene. During preparations, I stayed longer in Mexico for another film. Floating in the Pacific with Bluetooth headphones, I listened to jazz records. There are worse ways to prepare for a role." Despite having no direct connection to Eicher or the world of jazz, Scheer immersed himself in the music to better embody the iconic producer.

When it comes to playing real people, does it make the approach to a character easier if there's a sort of template?

Scheer explains, "I actually find it easier. Al Pacino once said at the Golden Globes: 'You've got a real life, and that makes it much easier because you know it happened.' The work is always interesting, and you need a lot of imagination. But in the case of historical figures, half the work is already done. You don't have to invent the character. They're already there."

For 'From Hilde, With Love', you've collaborated with Andreas Dresen again. How important is continuity to you?

Scheer openly declare his love for continuity, stating, "I'm a fan of continuity. I'm also a fan of 'Let's start from scratch, we don't know each other and let's see', but I'm also a fan of saying, 'Let's continue where we left off.' If Dresen calls and asks, 'Do you want to play a priest?', you don't say no. He's one of the best."

Scheer's commitment to his craft, as well as his unwavering passion for both film and music, make him a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment. With his diverse roles and immersive performances, it's clear that he's not one to shy away from a challenge.

Alexander Scheer expresses his feelings about his double nomination at award ceremonies, stating that he views each good role as unique and valuable, regardless of its size, and that he is always eager to learn and challenge himself in new, unfamiliar roles.
In response to the question about the increasing prevalence of strong female characters in cinema, Scheer reflects on the significance of diverse voices in filmmaking and the continued need for more female-centric stories to be told.
Ahead of the award ceremonies, Scheer acknowledges the competition and the impressive colleagues he is facing, while also expressing his disappointment in the lack of recognition for other talented actors who have never received a nomination or award.
In the film 'In Love, Yours, Hilde', Scheer plays a prison chaplain with a personal connection to the historical figure he portrays, as his great-uncle was part of a resistance group and had contact with the real-life chaplain during the Nazi era. Scheer believes that films about resistance, especially those dealing with the Nazi era, are essential in today's society to engage more openly and transparently with the subject matter, as the problem of intolerance persists worldwide.