In the new film *Sentimental Value*, Elle Fanning portrays Rachel Kemp, a young actress who travels to Norway for her first collaboration with a respected Scandinavian director. This role holds special significance for Fanning, as she shares similar experiences with her character, reflecting a unique connection between fiction and reality.
During an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, Fanning discussed how her personal journey influenced her performance. She remarked, “I always feel like with acting… you are yourself, so you are maybe subconsciously drawing from things you’ve experienced.” While she strives to keep her personal life separate from her roles, Fanning acknowledged that the emotions her character experiences resonate with her own feelings, albeit to a lesser extent.
Fanning emphasized the “meta-ness” of her situation, noting that she was indeed an American actress arriving in Norway for the first time to work with a Norwegian filmmaker. “You can’t help but pick up things and kind of put that into the character,” she added, although she believes Rachel is quite different from herself.
In *Sentimental Value*, Fanning’s character collaborates with Gustav Borg, played by acclaimed actor Stellan Skarsgård. Skarsgård’s portrayal of the troubled director is garnering attention for its depth and authenticity. He shared insights into developing his character, explaining that while he did not base Gustav on any single director, he found relatable elements in the character’s struggles.
“I mean, I’m an actor, I can play what the f**k whoever,” Skarsgård said. “What wasn’t like me at all was [that] he definitely belonged to an older generation than me.” He elaborated on the challenges artists face in balancing their passion for their craft with everyday life, stating, “It’s hard to combine sometimes.”
A central theme of *Sentimental Value* revolves around the notion that art can provide a medium for expressing difficult and personal conversations that might be challenging to articulate face-to-face. Skarsgård wholeheartedly resonated with this theme, affirming, “I believe in that.” He praised director Joachim Trier for his ability to depict the unspeakable and capture emotions that are often difficult to convey in words.
*Sentimental Value* is currently showing in UK cinemas, offering audiences a glimpse into the intersections of art and personal experience. For further insights and recommendations on films and television, listeners can check out The Radio Times Podcast.
