Art Shapes You Just as You Shape It: Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning Discuss Emotional Significance – Exclusive Interview

      Robert Kojder speaks with the stars of Sentimental Value, Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning…

      In Joachim Trier’s film Sentimental Value, which beautifully depicts strained family ties and the healing power of art, Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning play a once-renowned filmmaker and a Hollywood actress, respectively. The filmmaker persuades the actress to take on a project that delves into a family tragedy from years past. Gustav is compelled to recruit Rachel after his estranged daughter declines his offer to portray his now deceased mother. This challenging scenario ignites a complex and layered drama, brilliantly crafted by Trier, who is also known for his recent standout work in films like The Worst Person in the World.

      Both actors come from families involved in the industry (Stellan has notable sons, Bill and Alexander, who frequently engage in ambitious projects, while Elle’s sister, Dakota, is also an actress), making it a privilege to interview them and delve into themes of family and creativity. Enjoy the conversation below:

      It’s a pleasure to meet you both. You’re both amazing actors, and I really enjoyed the movie!

      Elle Fanning and Stellan Skarsgård: Thank you very much!

      You’re welcome. Stellan, with your family being actors, and Elle, having been in the industry since childhood, how does that experience shape your performances?

      EF: Absolutely, there are many layers and meta elements at play, especially for my character as the American actress working with a foreign director in Oslo. I can relate to that. I’ve been in this business since I was young, so it’s deeply ingrained in me. I appreciate what Joachim Trier has conveyed in this film – while art may not resolve all issues, it often provides a means to express feelings and navigate personal struggles. It can be easier to express oneself through art than to confront loved ones directly. This was a prominent theme I considered during filming.

      SS: Indeed! For an artist, whether you're a painter, musician, or writer, your work transcends merely being a job; it becomes part of who you are and shapes your identity. As a result, it’s challenging to separate your craft from your personal life. It’s tough, but to abandon your art diminishes who you are.

      The film emphasizes the significance of family dynamics and the memories tied to a family home. How did this resonate with your own childhood memories?

      EF: It really made me reflect on my childhood experiences. Joachim Trier, our talented director, is quite emotional and a fantastic collaborator. We shared personal stories during our many rehearsals. The sister relationship in the film particularly resonated with me as I read the script and viewed the movie. I found myself thinking a lot about my own sister [Dakota Fanning, also an actress] and our bond. It felt as if my family was with me on set while filming since the movie deals heavily with familial history and the traumas passed down through generations. My character faces her own family challenges, which we don’t explore in depth, but she becomes enmeshed in this drama she never sought, and it begins to affect her too.

      SS: I didn’t want to approach it that way initially. I aimed to view it purely as a role, separate from my life. While it may not reflect my life in certain respects, during filming, like you mentioned [to Elle], I felt a connection to my family on set. There were moments that sparked memories of my family. Fortunately, most of my family memories are positive, so it was a good experience.

      Thank you both for your time! And Elle, I’m excited to hear you worked with Hideo Kojima on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach; he’s one of my favorite storytellers.

      EF: Yes! He’s really amazing!

      SEE ALSO: Check out our ★ ★ ★ ★ review of Sentimental Value here

      A huge thank you to Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning for this interview.

      Robert Kojder