A Spotlight on Tim Roth at LuxFilmFest 2023
Last week, the renowned British actor Tim Roth captivated audiences during a masterclass at the 15th Luxembourg City Film Festival (LuxFilmFest). His engaging session drew significant attention as he reflected on his collaborations with iconic figures like Tupac Shakur, Quentin Tarantino, and Werner Herzog. Roth also discussed the intense preparation for his challenging portrayal of a racist skinhead in his first television role.
Festival Highlights and Celebrated Jury
This year’s LuxFilmFest celebrated its anniversary with a star-studded jury headed by Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof. Among the jury members were Danish actress Trine Dyrholm, known for her roles in The Girl With the Needle and Poison, and Austrian actress Valerie Pachner of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Also joining were L.A. & Luxembourg-based VFX expert Jeff Desom, Spanish director Albert Serra, and acclaimed screenwriter Paul Laverty. The festival also featured a masterclass with Oscar-winning director Alejandro Amenábar, further elevating the event’s profile.
Behind the Scenes with Tim Roth
In addition to his festival appearances, Roth engaged in an insightful interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where he reflected on his latest film scheduled for festival screening and examined his career’s trajectory. His current project, Poison, directed by Desirée Nosbusch, explores the emotional reunion of an estranged couple a decade after the tragic loss of their son. Roth, who experienced personal loss in 2022, shared the script had a profound impact on him—transforming the film’s emotional narrative into a deeply personal project.
Connecting on a Personal Level
“I usually don’t watch myself in films. But I will watch Poison because of what I went through on a personal level. I want to see if what we shot matches what I felt as a civilian and not as an actor.”
Career Reflections and Film Choices
With a diverse portfolio spanning indie projects and blockbuster hits, Roth reflected on his career choices. He embraces a philosophy of chaos and unpredictability in his work. “I always do a film to finance another film. Many of the projects I cherish lack funding and often struggle to be made,”he said.
The Joys and Challenges of Filmmaking
“Sometimes the bad ones can be the most fun to make… And so, you can do one and think, ‘Oh, my God, this is terrible,’ and people love it.”
Upcoming Projects and Aspirations
Roth revealed plans for his future endeavors, including a role as Henry Kissinger in a political satire titled Kissinger Takes Paris. Although progress on that project is uncertain, he is eager to collaborate again with Mexican filmmaker Michel Franco, known for their previous works Chronic and Sundown.
He also has a strong script in hand focused on the gambling industry, which he hopes to shoot soon, along with plans for a new series produced by Jeremy Thomas, with whom he holds a valuable history.
Thoughts on Politics and Filmmaking
Roth’s concerns about the current political landscape were evident as he discussed the potential consequences of Donald Trump’s second term. He reflects on the rising tide of populism and its implications for the arts. “I think we’re seeing what fascism looks like in practice in America right now,” he remarked, underscoring a personal family history that informs his views on politics and society.
Vision for Future Film Projects
“I think making a film in America, with the exception of the fun stuff, will become harder. They will go after the arts, [which means] filmmaking may flourish more in Europe and globally.”
As Roth navigates the complexities of both his artistic aspirations and societal influences, he remains committed to impactful storytelling, discussing projects that resonate with the current global context.