Diane Kruger and Fatih Akin: A Creative Reunion in Cannes
The captivating story of Diane Kruger and Fatih Akin began in 2012 at the Cannes Film Festival, where Kruger found herself on the jury. At the event, German director Akin showcased his documentary, prompting Kruger, a long-time admirer of Akin’s storytelling, to make her move. Having been profoundly impacted by his film Head-On, a gripping narrative about a young German-Turkish woman’s struggle against her constraining upbringing, Kruger felt compelled to connect. “Fatih for me is the best German director we have, the most modern,”she revealed, recalling her boldness in approaching him during an afterparty to express her admiration and desire to work with him.
Akin recalls that moment fondly. “I never forgot,”he states during a recent joint Zoom meeting, with Kruger in Los Angeles and Akin in Hamburg. Their professional connection blossomed five years later when Akin reached out with a pivotal script for In the Fade, a thriller inspired by real-life attacks targeting immigrants in Germany. Kruger was cast as Katja, a resilient woman whose life is turned upside down by the tragic loss of her husband and son in a neo-Nazi hate crime, a role that allowed her to explore new emotional depths.
A Triumph at Cannes
Upon its premiere in 2017, In the Fade made a significant impact, with Kruger taking home the Palme d’Or for Best Actress. The film earned critical acclaim, winning a Golden Globe for Best International Feature and representing Germany at the Oscars. Kruger remembers the aftermath vividly, telling Akin, “If you need me for anything, even if it’s just as an extra, I’m there.”Fast forward eight years, and the duo reunites at Cannes with a new project—Amrum.
Exploring New Narratives
In this film, Akin steps outside his usual themes to tell a poignant 1940s period drama based on Hark Bohm’s childhood experiences during the final days of World War II, reflecting a family shrouded in secrets. Originally, Akin planned to produce the film but stepped in as director when Bohm faced health challenges.
While casting Kruger in the role of Tessa, a potato farmer and the only anti-fascist on the island, Bohm insisted on her involvement despite Akin’s initial hesitation regarding her glamorous persona. “She is often viewed merely as a Hollywood actress, but everyone fails to see the range I can bring,”Kruger commented about the perceptions she encounters in the industry.
Courtesy of Charlotte Pavard
Delving into Personal Histories
Drawing from her own rural upbringing, Kruger resonates with Tessa’s character, recalling her grandmother’s strength and resilience while working in the fields. “I know these tough women,”she states, channeling her familial history to bring authenticity to her role.
Akin, on the other hand, faced a unique challenge in portraying Bohm’s narrative. Coming from a big city background, he sought a way to authentically present German cultural dynamics during the era. To refine his approach, Akin immersed himself in Edgar Reitz’s acclaimed Heimat film series, which chronicles German family life through various generations.
Relevance and Reflection
Despite being set in the 1940s, the themes of Amrum resonate with today’s sociopolitical climate, particularly regarding Germany’s grappling with its Nazi past. Recent electoral results reflect the rise of extremist ideas, with the far-right AfD party capturing 20% of votes, a stark reminder of ongoing divisions. “If 12 million people vote for extremists, those individuals could be part of your family,”Akin reflects, emphasizing the film’s relevancy.
Looking Ahead
As the project unfolds, both Kruger and Akin are eager to collaborate again, hoping their next joint venture won’t take another eight years to materialize. While plans for a Marlene Dietrich biopic are on hold, Kruger is optimistic about future projects together. Akin humorously notes that he finds a way to envision Kruger in every story he writes, regardless of the characters involved. “We truly bring out the best in each other,”he asserts.
Amrum premiered out of competition at Cannes on May 15, with Beta Cinema managing worldwide sales.