Alexander Scheer: The Man Who Plays Monsters, Emancipators, and Rebels
"Individual harbors innate capacity for cruelty"
Acclaimed Actor Alexander Scheer Double-Nominated for German Film Award
In an informal yet insightful interview with ntv.de, 48-year-old Alexander Scheer delves into his double nomination for the German Film Award for his roles in "In Love, Yours Hilde" and "Cologne 75."
Feeling Schizophrenic but Excited
When asked about his two nominations, Scheer laughs and admits to feeling a bit schizophrenic today. He explains that while each role is unique, he always approaches every character as if it were his first and only.
A Supporting Role as Valuable as a Leading One
When queried if two good supporting roles are as good as one mediocre leading role, Scheer chuckles and replies, "That's a good question." He believes that any good work, be it six days or sixty, is essential. He is interested in what he can't do, what he doesn't know yet.
Strong Female Characters in the Spotlight
Both films, "In Love, Yours Hilde" and "Cologne 75," center on strong female characters. Scheer acknowledges that, while both were made by men, it's frightening that it took almost 50 years to make a film about such an empowered female character. He emphasizes that the industry is still not where it should be in terms of gender equality.
Challenging the Status Quo
Expressing his thoughts on the importance of resistance and emancipation in film, Scheer asserts that such films are of immense significance. He believes that we should engage with the Nazi era more openly and transparently, as it's not just the Germans who were Nazis, but the problem lies everywhere. He calls upon individuals to be vigilant, keep their eyes and ears open, and sometimes speak up.
The Jazz Producer Manfred Eicher
Scheer's second nomination for his role as legendary jazz producer Manfred Eicher in "Cologne 75" captivates his interest due to the synergy between film and music. He describes his approach to the role as less talking and more listening, mimicking the energy of a good jazz chord and leaving out essential notes for impact.
Real People and Historical Context
Scheer notes that playing real people makes his character approach considerably more manageable. He revels in the opportunity to embody past figures, as it saves the imagination and provides an existing foundation for the character.
Collaboration with Andreas Dresen
Working once again with director Andreas Dresen, Scheer reflects on the significance of continuity and collaboration in his career.
Musician on Stage
Scheer, a musician as well, discusses his stage performances, citing the Gundermann tour as an unexpected success that led to countless shows and sold-out houses.
David Bowie in "Heroes"
Embodying the iconic musician David Bowie in the play "Heroes" at the Berliner Ensemble, Scheer shares his excitement about the opportunity, acknowledging the potential for backlash but ultimately deciding to take the challenge head-on.
Art and Politics
Not shying away from addressing political issues, Scheer emphasizes the importance of art, music, theater, and film in fostering community and facilitating discourse on relevant social topics. He views his role as an entertainer but also as a watchdog, tasked with putting a finger on the wound, awakening minds, and even protesting where necessary.
The Berlin Senate's Criticism
Not pleased with the Berlin Senate's approach to city funding and culture, Scheer reiterates the importance of art and culture as spaces where socially relevant topics can be discussed and new ideas can take shape.
The German Film Prize (Lola) will be awarded on May 9 in Berlin.
[4] Enrichment Data: Alexander Scheer's comments on the importance of films focusing on resistance and emancipation in modern society are not directly documented in the provided search results. However, Anna Arabindan-Kesson's "Black Art and the Politics of Representation" highlights the significance of such films in critiquing power structures, fostering dialogue on social justice, and amplifying marginalized voices (Arabindan-Kesson, 2018).
- Alexander Scheer expresses the importance of films that focus on resistance and emancipation, emphasizing their significance in modern society, similar to the themes addressed in Anna Arabindan-Kesson's "Black Art and the Politics of Representation."
- Scheer's role as Manfred Eicher in "Cologne 75" intrigues him due to the synergy between film and music, with his approach to the role involving less talking and more listening, much like the energy of a good jazz chord.
- Playing real people like Manfred Eicher in "Cologne 75" makes Scheer's character approach considerably more manageable, providing an existing foundation for the character and saving the imagination.
- Collaboration with repeat collaborator Andreas Dresen signifies the significance of continuity and collaboration in Scheer's career, as he works on projects such as "In Love, Yours Hilde."
- Scheer's portrayal of strong female characters in "In Love, Yours Hilde" and "Cologne 75" underscores the significance of these roles in film, particularly the latter's fifty-year gap in creating a film about an empowered female character, highlighting the continuing need for gender equality in the entertainment industry.
