Lars Eidinger: “I have no predisposition to drugs”

Actor Lars Eidinger (45) takes on the leading role of Stasi employee Franz Walter in the new film “Nah Schuss”, which starts in German cinemas on August 12th. His character is turning to alcohol more and more to cope with his problems. Eidinger himself “has never had a bottle of whiskey at home”. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he talks about his attitude towards drugs and why he sometimes feels like a rapist after filming sex scenes.

In addition to Devid Striesow, Luise Heyer also plays at your side in “NahUSS”. How did you like the cooperation?

Lars Eidinger: I didn’t know Luise before. In contrast to Devid Striesow, with whom I even studied – we were in one class together. In Luise I have found a counterpart who allows a lot and trusts you. We were able to meet in a very emotional way. Luise was very willing to allow the pain of the figure, to feel it and to go into depth. There are actors, which I can understand, who pull themselves out of certain situations. But Luise let herself go.

There is also a sex scene with her in the film. Has anything changed when shooting scenes like this since #MeToo?

Eidinger: Something has changed. We took the time to think about what works and what doesn’t. That’s how I know it too. So that you don’t run the risk of someone saying: “I had to do something that I didn’t want to do.” It also makes a difference whether a woman is directing. Luise and our director Franziska Stünkel were very close to each other. There would have been space for Luise to say: “I don’t like that.” That is, she agreed to it. Another film project had an intimacy officer on set. There was a great outcry. Some actors have asked: “Who brought you to the set now?” I think it’s good to have someone on set who you are not dependent on. Because that is exactly the problem.

In what way?

Eidinger: If, as a woman, I have the feeling: I don’t want that, but I can’t tell the director because I’m afraid he’ll be disappointed or no longer occupy me, then I’ll do something that I actually didn’t want at all. This is abuse of power. So it’s good to have someone who is neutral, who I can talk to and who can communicate my concerns. What I found interesting: The intimacy officer was from the porn industry. So it is not a person who is frigid and problematizes sexuality. On the contrary: it is someone who is familiar with sexuality and intimacy. I think it’s right to have a professional with you. Finally, there is also a stunt coordinator. You need someone who knows their stuff and who tells you how to do it without getting hurt.

Shooting such scenes is not necessarily pleasant for both parties.

Edinger: As a rule, there are no scenes to look forward to. The atmosphere is often very tense. The strange thing: After the sex scene has been turned off, people always come in and immediately put blankets around the woman. The man just stands by. It feels like I raped her.

Franz uses alcohol in the film to deal with his problems. What’s your mean?

Eidinger: I recently shot for “Tatort” in Kiel in Hamburg. When I got to my hotel room, the production department put a whiskey bottle in front of me. And I thought to myself: You can’t put alcohol on an actor if you want to work with him the next day. I’ve never had a bottle of whiskey at home, but I poured myself a glass and felt really good. I could sleep well too. It’s seductive, but you have to be careful. But I’m not predisposed to drugs – I didn’t even smoke in drama school and I started drinking beer late at all. I’ve never used cocaine.

How do you switch off after a hard day at work?

Eidinger: For me, the most important compensation is going for a walk. That sounds stuffy, but I love walking through cities. For me this is absolute relaxation, I become very calm. For me it is the best thing in the world to just get up, go out and run. Not knowing where to go. For me this is better than any drug.

Your figure is an amateur soccer player – is there anything you can do with the sport in your private life?

Eidinger: I’m a very good footballer. But I’m not a football fan, I’ve only been to a stadium twice. I’ve always preferred to play rather than watch. I was twice Berlin champion with FC Stern Marienfelde.