Lars Eidinger, a German actor with a towering presence on stage and screen, is about to make a significant impact on the international film scene. From his role as an introverted husband in Maren Ade's 'Everyone Else' to the turbulent conductor in 'Dying,' Eidinger has left his mark on German cinema. Now, he's set to join the DC Universe as the villain Brainiac in James Gunn's 'Superman' sequel, 'Man of Tomorrow.'
But before that, Cannes Film Festival will showcase Eidinger's versatility with two films in competition. In 'Moulin,' he portrays Klaus Barbie, the notorious 'Butcher of Lyon,' while in 'Visitation,' he plays an architect navigating the complexities of authoritarian regimes. Despite his absence from the Croisette due to DCU commitments, Eidinger reflects on his journey and his unique approach to acting.
The Allure of the Uncomfortable
Eidinger's decision to portray Klaus Barbie was driven by a desire to engage with a complex and extreme character. He acknowledges the trauma that Germans carry from World War II and the Holocaust, and how these experiences shape his own identity. 'Persian Lessons,' a previous wartime role, confronted him with his own demons, prompting a desire to move away from such trauma. However, the allure of working with Shawn Levy and Mark Ruffalo drew him back to the subject matter in 'All the Lights We Cannot See.'
What makes Eidinger's approach fascinating is his ability to empathize with even the most monstrous characters. He believes that understanding a character's logic and perspective is key to his method. By gathering material and then setting it aside, he aims to treat the role as fiction, allowing for a freer interpretation. This approach is evident in 'Moulin,' where the historical Barbie's sadistic nature is toned down, emphasizing the film's fictional nature and the responsibility actors carry in portraying historical events.
Navigating Authoritarian Systems
In 'Visitation,' Eidinger portrays an architect who operates within authoritarian systems, first with the Nazi regime and then with the dictatorship in East Germany. This role resonates with him as it explores the complexities of navigating such systems. He believes it's easy to judge in hindsight but much more challenging to make choices within the system itself. This theme extends beyond the film, as he imagines future generations judging our behaviors, such as capitalism's dark sides.
Eidinger's ambition is to engage with these figures, to sound the notes of empathy and self-reflection. He aims to bring the audience into the same conflict, to recognize the parts of themselves that resonate with these characters. This approach, he believes, is a more effective vehicle for identification than the classic hero, who creates a distance that prevents true engagement.
The Philosophical Ambitions of Superhero Films
Despite not being a fan of the Superman universe, Eidinger finds philosophical depth in these films. He interprets the word 'super' as a reference to the Übermensch, connecting it to psychological concepts like the Super Ego. The rehearsal scene with the Superman actor suspended on wires became a powerful image for him, symbolizing the essence of fiction and allegory. Eidinger sees a certain fate in his involvement with the franchise, recognizing the theatrical quality that aligns with his stage work, particularly in the expressive style required.
Beyond Good and Evil
Eidinger's perspective on German actors being typecast as villains reflects his belief in the complexity of human nature. He criticizes the tendency to divide everything into good and evil, a cognitive distortion he finds interesting. His ambition in art is to play against moral simplification, to portray characters as ambivalent beings, even when playing 'good' people. This approach is evident in his Brecht readings, particularly in 'An die Nachgeborenen,' where Brecht describes the dark times and the inherent contradictions and gray zones of human existence.
In conclusion, Lars Eidinger's journey as an actor is a fascinating exploration of the human condition. Through his roles, he invites audiences to confront their own complexities, to recognize the gray zones and nuances that make us human. His work challenges the simplistic division of good and evil, offering a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the characters he portrays.
