Matthias Schweighöfer, the 42-year-old German actor, isn't shy about his self-criticism. In an interview with a German news agency, he admitted, "I can dance, but I don't have great posture. I can't always walk straight and I'm not the most confident guy when I go somewhere." Singing isn't his forte either, he says with a laugh, "I'm not really good at singing."
Despite these self-admitted shortcomings, Schweighöfer is set to play Frank Farian, the infamous producer behind the band Milli Vanilli, in the new film "Girl You Know It's True," directed by Simon Verhoeven. The movie is set to hit theaters on December 21.
The film tells the story of one of the biggest music scandals in history, when it was revealed in the early '90s that Milli Vanilli had never sung their hits like "I'm Gonna Miss You" themselves. This revelation led to a drastic fall from grace for the duo.
In the movie, Schweighöfer channels Farian's distinctive personality to bring this controversial figure to life. His preparation for the role involved extensive research and personal interactions with the real Frank Farian, who passed away before the movie was released.
For Schweighöfer, getting into the character's head meant understanding the complexities of fame, identity, and deception. He talked about the challenges Farian faced, and how these experiences shape his character in the movie.
Milli Vanilli left a lasting impact on the music industry, especially during the 1980s and '90s. As Berlin, with its bustling music scene, gears up for the release of the movie, fans and onlookers are eager to see how Schweighöfer will handle the role.
Enrichment data:
Schweighöfer's compelling performance in the movie is a testament to his dedication and talent. To prepare for the role, he not only studied Farian's music and personality but also interacted with the man himself. These personal encounters provided him with valuable insights, helping him to portray Farian authentically in the movie.
Additionally, Schweighöfer took time to understand the cultural and social context of the Milli Vanilli scandal, enabling him to convey the story's complexities with nuance and sensitivity. His emotional investment in the role is evident in the final product, as he creates a believable and compelling portrayal of Frank Farian.