The day before Edward Berger went to Los Angeles to find out that he had won an Oscar for "All Quiet on the Western Front" had he already managed to film his next movie.
Berger has a system that he can't recommend enough: to always have his next film project ready.
It's a gift to know what the next film is, not to feel any pressure, to have everything already in place, says the German director to TT.
In this case, the next film was called "Conclave" and is now hotly tipped for an Oscar.
"Claustrophobia"
"Conclave" is based on a book by Robert Harris and deals with the power struggle in the Vatican when a pope has died and the cardinals are fighting over who will be the successor. Ralph Fiennes plays the lead role and is accompanied by, among others, Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow.
Everyone I asked said yes. It was such a good script with roles that had great recognition. A thriller that takes place in a world we know so little about. It's about power struggles and could take place in any large company, but here it's a world we have no insight into.
I wanted to create a sense of claustrophobia, a feeling that was present in the political thrillers that Alan J Pakula made in the 1970s, where it feels like there are eyes and ears watching you everywhere.
Parts of the plot are taken from reality, others are artistic liberties.
Some of it is true, some of it we've interpreted within the framework of realism. I like to be able to take liberties, but to be able to do it within reality, says Berger.
Smoking and texting
The real cardinals he has spoken to have explained that they are keeping an eye on the project.
The Church will do it and maybe is a little worried. But the cardinals will see it. I think they'll want to see a film about themselves. I'm not messing with them, but I'm portraying them as humans – as people who smoke, send texts, and so on.
Of course, the film that comes after "Conclave" is already ready. It was filmed in Macao, with Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton in the lead roles.
A gambler comes there and gambles away his life. Macao is all about money and the film is basically about the downfall of capitalism, says Berger.
Age: 54 years
Lives: Germany
Directing assignments in selection: "Tatort", "Deutschland 83", "The Terror", "Patrick Melrose", "Your Honor", "All Quiet on the Western Front".
Currently with: "Conclave", which will be released in Swedish cinemas on December 20.
