Edvard Munch’s best-known work, “The Scream,” has been endlessly referenced or parodied – even in “The Simpsons.” However the painter himself, who handed away in 1944, stays an enigma.
“His artwork is legendary, however not the artist. And I needed to inform a narrative in regards to the artist. His life is the primary focus right here,” says director Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken, whose “Munch” has been chosen as opening movie on the Worldwide Movie Competition Rotterdam.
He by no means meant to make a typical biopic, nonetheless. “Most of them are fairly… boring. Munch advanced loads, when it comes to how he lived, but additionally his artwork and his motives. It was mandatory to seek out one other means.”
With the assistance of 4 completely different screenwriters, every specializing in a unique interval in his life, he forged 4 actors as Munch: Alfred Ekker Strande, Mattis Herman Nyquist, Ola G. Furuseth and even Anne Krigsvoll.
“The toughest half was ensuring that every one these components, regardless of their distinctive kinds, nonetheless match collectively. I needed these writers – and actors – to carry their very own voice to the movie,” he says.
“Munch didn’t have this one large second when he simply ‘discovered himself.’ He was discovering himself his whole life,” he says.
The writers on the movie have been Fredrik Høyer, Nyquist, Gine Cornelia Pedersen and Eivind Sæther.
“I learn numerous his diaries,” says Høyer, who centered on the early years of the painter. It portrays “the younger Munch as one of many multitudes of human lives which have existed all through time, not the celebration of an excellent genius – that’s what me.”
Nyquist, taking up the artist’s life in Berlin, was shocked by his “all-absorbing and complete” dedication to work, whereas Pedersen dug into his keep in a psychiatric clinic in Copenhagen.
“I’m a Munch-nerd,” she admits. “He was such a delicate individual and I may relate to him in some ways. If it was as much as me, I’d have been on set daily, I’d have gone to each assembly, however I managed to comprise myself. I don’t assume it could have helped the film,” she laughs.
“To write down part of the script and never realizing the way it will slot in with others was each regarding and extremely entertaining,” provides Sæther, additionally praising the modifying staff.
In his a part of the story, aged Munch lives on the outskirts of Oslo, devoted to work till German occupiers actually knock on his door.
Sæther says: “All that appears to matter to him is his legacy. He fears the struggle will destroy all the things he has constructed. When he died, it was principally simply work and work, a piano, numerous mouse excrements and twenty-something pairs of portray gloves.”
“He was one of the productive artists ever,” underlines Dahlsbakken. “As he says within the movie, he can’t have children or a household as a result of his genes are ‘poisonous.’ I don’t assume it was the entire fact. I assume he needed to clarify to himself why he selected to spend his whole life making artwork. It was a giant dedication and never many individuals would make it at this time.”
Whereas Dahlsbakken’s strategy echoes Todd Haynes’ “I’m Not There,” with six actors – together with Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett – taking part in Bob Dylan, he sees his story as extra “easy,” he says.
“Once I first got here up with this concept, again in 2018, I haven’t seen it but. Later, its idea turned an inspiration.”
However making Munch relatable, particularly to a youthful viewers, was additionally on his thoughts. Which is why, in an fascinating twist, he moved his stint in Berlin to modern occasions.
“I talked to my mates about it: ‘How would it not really feel to fulfill Munch at this time, in 2023?’ Additionally, it’s less expensive [to shoot] this manner,” he jokes.
“We needed to be respectful and do it with love and braveness, however we’re telling our story about Munch. There’s no one who is aware of the entire fact – the reality has been lifeless for 80 years. It made this complete course of really feel secure, in a means. And playful.”
“Munch” was produced by The Movie Firm and backed by Viaplay, with New York-based Juno Movies dealing with North American distribution rights.
