Alexander Scheer Unleashed: "The Human Being Themselves are Monsters"
"Individual displays monstrous qualities within"
In the Spotlight Twice for the German Film Award - Alexander Scheer, 48, is shaking things up this year, earning a double nomination for Best Supporting Actor in "In Love, Yours Hilde" and "Cologne 75". Both films feature powerful female characters, which Scheer plays unusually well.
On Finding Gold Among the Shadows - So, two good supporting roles are as good as one mediocre leading one? Scheer chuckles, "Well, it's a good question (laughs). For me, it's all about good work. A role that's worth more than gold." And he means it, constantly seeking out what he doesn't know and the challenges that come with playing characters unlike himself.
Leading Ladies Steal the Show - In both films, strong female characters take center stage. But here's the catch - both films are helmed by male directors. Scheer acknowledges, "It's about time we got movies like this. I can't believe it took close to 50 years for Hollywood to get on board. And, let's be real, there's still a long way to go."
Staying Humble - When asked about his chances at the awards ceremony, Scheer remains humble. "Look, it's all good," he says, "but it's Godehard Giese's year this time. I've been lucky enough to win once before, so I know how that feels. Now it's Giese's turn. I wouldn't even dare to hope for anything more."
Connecting With History - In "In Love, Yours Hilde", Scheer plays a prison chaplain. His great-uncle, who survived the Nazi era, shared stories of his resistance work and even had contact with the character Scheer plays. "It's these stories," says Scheer, "that keep history alive. We must never forget what happened so that we can avoid repeating it."
Art in the Face of Adversity - Scheer believes films like "In Love, Yours Hilde" are essential in today's society. "There's far too little we know about resistance," he states, "It was young people then who said, 'We want life.' It's no different today. But we also need to speak our minds, say what needs to be said. These films are incredibly important."
The Jazz Whisperer - His other nomination brings Scheer the role of jazz producer Manfred Eicher in "Cologne 75". "I'm all about film and music coming together," he says, "and playing a music producer was fantastic." Scheer reveals that preparing for the role involved plenty of tunes and a Mexican getaway. "A lot better than an office anytime," he says with a grin.
A Blend of Art and Guile - Scheer's approach to playing real people is straightforward. "I find it more comfortable," he explains, "to have a template of sorts. It makes building a character a little easier." But he also concedes, "there's always room for imagination, and that's where the fun lies."
Cinematographic Companions - Collaborating with director Andreas Dresen is important to Scheer. "I'm a fan of continuity," he admits, "but I'm just as happy starting from scratch. If Dresen calls about a new project, I'm there, no questions asked. He's one of the best."
From the Stage to the Silver Screen - Scheer's prowess doesn't stop at acting. He's also a musician, often playing Gunderrocks with his friends. "It all started at the Gunderzeit premiere tour," he recalls, "and six years later, we're still going strong."
Challenging the Norms - Scheer tackles the role of David Bowie in "Heroes" at the Berliner Ensemble. But why take on such a monumental task? Scheer grins, "I love a challenge. I had my reservations, sure, but that only fueled my fire. I've always believed that you should just go for it. What's the worst that could happen, right?"
Riding the Storm Out - Lining up a string of performances and maintaining focus isn't always easy for Scheer. "I get stage fright every time," he confesses, "but that's how you know it matters." When asked about his double nomination, he had to take some time to let it sink in. "I was right in the middle of rehearsals for 'Heroes'," he explains, "and it took some serious brain power)."
Art, Politics, and Protest - Scheer passionately believes in art's power to challenge societal norms and inspire change. "Our society is moving towards isolation," he says, "and culture is one of the few places left where we can experience a sense of community." Scheer is adamant that artists have a role to play in these trying times, particularly in creating a space for discourse and driving social change.
The State of Berlin Politics - Scheer doesn't hold back when discussing Berlin's political landscape. "The Senate is running our city into the ground," he says, "and it's a darn shame. We can't afford to target the places where we still have freedom to discuss crucial issues."
Interview by Nicole Ankelmann
The German Film Award takes place on May 9 in Berlin.
This article first appeared on ntv.de
FilmCinemaTVAward Ceremonies
- Alexander Scheer's double nomination for the German Film Award is not just a gold mine for his career, but a validation of his commitment to good work, regardless of the role's position.
- The significance of continuity in Scheer's partnership with director Andreas Dresen extends beyond mutual trust, it serves as a foundation for creating compelling characters that resonate in movies-and-tv and entertainment, including the celebrities who interpret them.
- Cologne, the city where Scheer was nominated for two awards, has recently emerged as a hub for entertaining narratives focusing on strong female characters, challenging and complementing the male-dominated narratives that have historically prevailed in cinema and television.
- Enthusiastic about his craft, Scheer enthusiastically embraces the challenges of playing real individuals like Manfred Eicher and David Bowie, recognizing the importance of art, politics, and protest in driving social change and fostering open discourse within today's divisive environment.
