Ulrike Kriener in “Petra goes Baden”: “I used to travel with the VW bus”

When a career woman suddenly retires, not only her own life is head, but also that of her husband. The new ZDF-Herzkino film “Petra goes Baden” by screenwriter Uli Brée (born 1964, Austrro “crime scene”) and director Rainer Kaufmann (66, “Mary’s last trip”). Ulrike Kriener (70) plays the title role and the Swedish film star Rolf Lassgård (70, “A man named Ove”) plays her artist husband Erik, who has organized an adventurous motorhome trip … In an interview with Spot on News, the actress talks about unusual marriage crises, working in two languages ​​today and why she prefers holiday homes instead of campsites today. The film can be seen on Sunday (September 28th) at 8:15 p.m. on ZDF or in the media library.

Ulrike Kriener: It is basically the reverse “Pappa Ante Portas” story by Loriot. Usually you know it like this: the man retires and suddenly disturbs at home. I also know that from my family. When my father stopped working in the colliery at the time, he actually started to remove the cupboards in the kitchen at home because he found it very uneconomical how my mother granted her. Of course, this conjured up real marriage crises. (laughs)

In “Petra goes Baden” it is the other way around: a successful career woman stops and the housekeeper and artist is waiting for you at home. I found that exciting. Because this question of the loss of meaning, if suddenly you are no longer a manager, also affects women. Although I honestly have to admit that I think that women can generally deal with the topic better. They process it differently and better.

Kriener: absolutely. This profession allows you to grow along and also to reflect on your own life topics by rolling. This is a great gift. Of course there are fewer leading roles for older women, the main stories are told with younger people. To a certain point, I also think that is normal. On the other hand, you also have to say that certain topics such as upheavals in life, second opportunities, losses, fears or a new beginning are universal. Age can even be an enrichment.

Kriener: First I had great respect for it. But we consciously decided to do this – everyone stays in their language, in their identity. When playing it was mad. It has created great attention and closeness. We had to listen more intensively to each other without being able to rely on words. It was a very special work and I had a lot of fun.

Kriener: I really like to be in nature. And I used to travel with a VW bus, motorhome or just a backpack. But I have been behind me, I don’t want to do this kind of vacation now. Today I need a decent bed. I prefer to rent a holiday home where I have my rest. Hotels are not mine either.

Kriener: without a cell phone? No. I want to remain available – if only for my son or in emergencies. I made a silver seminar once and the cell phone largely turned off, but even there I called my father briefly in the retirement home every evening. It doesn’t work without me.

Kriener: I’m almost never bored. And if it does, then I look into the fridge – that helps, you always find something (laughs). Otherwise I read or call a friend. Only when my husband is suddenly gone for a week is a bit unusual in the first two days. But then I quickly get back into my own rhythm.