"Individual exhibits beastly behavior within self"
Fresh Take:
Alexander Scheer: Doubling Down on Empowerment in Cinema
April showers may bring May flowers, but for Alexander Scheer, this month brings two German Film Award nominations! Though he's up for best supporting actor in both "In Love, Yours Hilde" and "Cologne 75," he's keeping his feet firmly planted - not his head. Here's a candid chat with the versatile actor about these memorable roles, his perspective on emancipation, and why he never settles for mediocre leading parts.
On the Double Nomination
"Well, it's a bit schizophrenic today... but I always start from scratch," quips Scheer. He admits that strong supporting roles trump one mediocre leading one any day - but what really sparks his interest are roles he doesn't know.
A Focus on Empowered Females
In both films, powerful females are at the forefront, with "Hilde" spotlighting a prison chaplain in the Nazi resistance and "Cologne 75" revolving around an 18-year-old woman taking control of the music business. Scheer notes that film has lagged in showcasing such strong female characters - even more so when considering they're created by men.
An Open Dialogue on Resistance and Emancipation
"We need to engage with the resistance movement much more openly," insists Scheer. The Nazi era, he believes, is a taboo that Germany needs to address relentlessly. "Humanity itself is a monster. We must be vigilant, keep our eyes and ears open - and sometimes speak up."
The Deep Connection to Resistance Figures
With personal experience tied to "In Love, Yours Hilde's" Harald Pölchau, Scheer reveals a family link to a 16-year-old resistance member who was actually connected to the prison chaplain.
Eminent Music, Memorable Producer
In "Cologne 75," Scheer plays the legendary jazz producer Manfred Eicher. With an avid interest in film and music, Scheer reveled in embodying the almost-religious figure of the jazz world. Understanding Eicher's passion for music involved immersing himself in the genre - and floating in the Pacific with Bluetooth headphones.
A Lifelong Love Affair with Challenging Roles
Whether real-life personas or fictional figures, Scheer admits that portraying actual historical figures lends half the work already done - and offers invaluable insights into their motivations and humanity.
Collaborating with Director Andreas Dresen
Scheer's collaboration with Dresen in "In Love, Yours Hilde" is a cherished ongoing partnership. "I'm a fan of continuity," he declares, noting his willingness to take on new characters or fill out long-standing relationships.
From Stage to Screen - and Back Again
An accomplished musician, Scheer frequently graces the stage and shares his passion for music through performances like "Heroes" at the Berliner Ensemble. Despite occasional pre-performance jitters, his determination, passion, and enthusiasm for characters old and new keep him diving headfirst into memorable roles.
Art as a Tool for Dialogue in Challenging Times
"There's no doubt that art plays a crucial role in politically tumultuous times," Scheer opines. He believes that art offers a destination where dialogue and discourse can flourish, amplifying voices and shedding light on issues that matter most.
As the German Film Award (Lola) approaches, Scheer eagerly awaits the ceremony on May 9 - but remains true to his passion for storytelling and commitment to art. Here's to a fascinating cinematic journey!
- Alexander Scheer, despite being nominated for two German Film Awards, maintains a level-headed approach, preferring strong supporting roles over leading parts he finds mediocre.
- In both his nominated films, 'In Love, Yours Hilde' and 'Cologne 75', powerful female characters take center stage, showcasing the lack of such portrayals in film, especially when created by men.
- Scheer advocates for a more open dialogue on resistance movements, particularly the Nazi era, emphasizing the need for humanity to remain vigilant and speak up against injustice.
- Scheer's personal connection to the resistance figure in 'In Love, Yours Hilde' adds a deeper layer of authenticity to his portrayal of Harald Pölchau.
- As the legendary jazz producer Manfred Eicher in 'Cologne 75', Scheer immersed himself in the music genre to better understand and portray the almost-religious figure in the jazz world.
- Alexander Scheer's love for challenging roles extends to fictional and historical figures, finding great value in the insights they offer into motivations and humanity. In addition to acting, Scheer also performs music on stage, collaborating with directors such as Andreas Dresen and embracing the ongoing journey between stage and screen. Scheer believes that art serves as a powerful tool for dialogue and discourse during challenging political times.
