Jannis Niewöhner plays a womanizer in “Confessions of the impostor Felix Krull”. He himself “doesn’t go on dates,” he reveals.
Actor Jannis Niewöhner (29) has long been an integral part of the German film landscape. The 29-year-old has been in front of the camera almost continuously since 2005 and can be seen on the big screen at least once a year – also in 2021. In Detlev Buck’s (58) new work “Confessions of the impostor Felix Krull” (theatrical release: September 2nd ), based on the hit novel of the same name by Thomas Mann (1875-1955), the actor slips into the role of the title character. Felix Krull, a handsome offspring from a bankrupt home, wants to escape poverty by all means. Thanks to his charming manner and his acting talent, he finally makes it into the finest circles of society.
Krull wraps everyone around his finger and is particularly popular with women. Niewöhner himself is “not the type who goes to a woman with the aim of getting her around,” admits the actor in an interview with the news agency spot on news. In addition, the actor reveals why he does not go on dates and why self-presentation on social media has “something nice”.
The novel “Confessions of the impostor Felix Krull” is one of the most famous works by Thomas Mann. The height of fall is very high – weren’t you afraid to take on the leading role of Felix Krull?
Jannis Niewöhner: No. For me, the figure is especially exciting. I was happy about the role. The fear of not doing justice to a certain work would prevent you too much from being able to give something of your own to the work. Detlev Buck and Daniel Kehlmann, who wrote the book, knew exactly how to tell the story. And I gave myself up to it as an actor.
How did you prepare for your role as the impostor Felix Krull?
Niewöhner: I prepared as I usually do – with an acting coach and this time also with a language coach. We had a lot of time together with Buck before filming. Also to understand the vision that Kehlmann and Buck had. The film breaks away from the novel and puts the characters in a new light. So it was good to spend time with both of them.
Did you have language problems?
Niewöhner: Yes, it is a challenge. After all, it’s a language that was never spoken. It is not a historical language, but a Thomas Mann language. Simply a world of its own. Bringing the language to life and getting it out as naturally as possible was a huge task. But I was happy to approach them.
As an actor, do you sometimes feel like an impostor?
Niewöhner: When things don’t go well. As an actor, at best you should disappear into the character and believe in the character you are playing. That’s why you don’t see yourself as an impostor during this time. A really good impostor probably won’t either.
Your figure knows how to wrap people around their fingers. Do you have that talent too?
Niewöhner: If I want to persuade people because I believe in something, then yes. Only willpower matters. Ultimately, it’s something acting like being able to convince people or take them away. Because of my job, I have constant training (laughs).
And what about women?
Niewöhner: I’m not the type who goes to a woman with the aim of getting her around. I always find it better when things like this arise organically and you let yourself be guided. I don’t go on dates either. It should turn out, of course.
Krull is not satisfied with his life and tries to escape poverty. Are you at peace with yourself or are there things that you would like to change?
Niewöhner: I want constant change. That connects me with Krull. It’s about immersing yourself again and again in new phases of life. To be inspired anew and to find a new euphoria in surprising, new places.
His good looks help Krull immensely. Is that the case with you too?
Niewöhner: Of course, my appearance has always played a role – as it does with everyone. It was always important to me that I wasn’t just perceived as a pretty boy. You would never label or perceive yourself that way. But I never found that to be a hurdle. It is an attitude that you have to have yourself. That you don’t think for yourself: “Can I actually do something or is it just because of that?” Instead, it uses it as an advantage. Probably the most important thing is not to pigeonhole yourself where others see you.
On Instagram and Co. people like to pretend a different reality. What do you think of this development?
Niewöhner: There is something beautiful about this kind of self-presentation. It’s fun too, after all. But of course I see a tendency for people to lose depth or the connection to themselves and to others. Still, it shouldn’t be demonized. Because the joy of playing and dressing up is justified and is part of life.
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