London. The British actor Ralph Fiennes (“Grand Budapest Hotel”, “James Bond – Spectre”) had no film career in mind when he took on his first roles in the theater as a young man. “Shakespeare at the theater was the reason I wanted to become an actor,” said Fiennes (61) to the German Press Agency in London. «I didn’t foresee a life as a film actor. That wasn’t one of my ambitions.”
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Fiennes full of praise for director Berger
In the Vatican thriller “Conclave” (in theaters November 21st), which is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Harris, Fiennes plays a cardinal who has to organize the papal election while he himself is going through a crisis of faith. “Conclave” is a chamber play that almost has elements of Shakespeare. “But it didn’t feel like theater for a minute,” emphasized Fiennes. “This is pure cinema.” Fiennes praised director Edward Berger for this. The filmmaker, who was born in Wolfsburg, has “a sense for cinema”.
Fiennes believes that it is the difference from the stage that makes the film business so interesting. The fact that the Sistine Chapel and other sets were authentically recreated in the famous Cinecittà studios in Rome suited Fiennes. “When you come to a film set, you don’t want to feel like you’re in the theater,” he said. “You want to feel as if you are in a real world and are being filmed.”
How has your theatre training shaped your ability to adapt to various directing styles in film?
1. Introduction and Background Information on Ralph Fiennes’ Theatre Roots
Interviewer: Mr. Fiennes, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today. Could you tell us a little bit about your beginnings in the acting world and how your training in theatre influenced your approach to filmmaking?
Ralph Fiennes: Thank you for having me. I actually didn’t envision a career in film when I started out in theatre; Shakespeare and the stage were my primary motivations. I found the immediacy and intensity of live performances incredibly captivating. As far as filmmaking goes, I believe that my theatre background gives me a strong foundation in character development and storytelling, which translates well to the big screen.
2. Discussion on the Film “Conclave”
Interviewer: You’ve recently starred in the critically acclaimed film ”Conclave,” which explores themes of faith and power. Could you talk about your experience working on this project and how director Edward Berger brought his unique vision to the table?
Ralph Fiennes: Certainly. “Conclave” was a fascinating undertaking. The narrative is almost theatrical in its scope, yet Edward Berger managed to infuse it with a cinematic quality that made it feel fresh and engaging. His sensibility as a filmmaker really enhanced the storytelling, creating a sense of tension and intimacy that kept us all on edge. I appreciate his attention to detail and his ability to draw out nuanced performances from the cast.
Interviewer: You mentioned the authenticity of the sets being crucial to your performance. Could you elaborate on how the use of real locations or replicas can impact an actor’s experience?
Ralph Fiennes: Working in a realistic environment like the Sistine Chapel or the Vatican can be daunting, but it also adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to replicate on a soundstage. There’s something special about being surrounded by history and architecture that lends itself to the storytelling process. Of course, it requires a certain level of discipline and respect to capture those moments authentically, but I think it ultimately pays off in the final product.
3. Transition from Stage to Screen
Interviewer:
