At the Vancouver International Film Festival, director Markus Schleinzer presented his third feature film Rose, a black-and-white historical drama starring Sandra Hüller. The movie depicts a woman disguising herself as a male soldier in 17th-century Germany during a tense period of political upheaval. Schleinzer, who has spent seventeen years casting roles for others, wrote this specific role for Hüller after observing her unique approach to character transformation. He stated that the film screened at VIFF and remains a significant work in his portfolio despite its recent release. [1]
Director's Perspective
Schleinzer explained that Hüller's performance continues to move him deeply even after countless viewings of the film. He noted that Hanneke had previously liked the scene and refused to let it languish in a drawer, eventually passing it along to French producer Margaret Ménégoz who expressed interest in making it. The director emphasized his fascination with people on the margins, which defines his work and led him to cast Hüller specifically for this role. [1]
Casting Process
Hüller read the script and responded by telling Schleinzer that he is crazy, yet she acknowledged there might be a through line in his work. She described her role as playing a woman who disguises herself as a male soldier, highlighting the challenges of gender roles in society. This casting decision reflects Schleinzer's long career as a casting director who has built his reputation on finding authentic representations of complex human experiences. [1]
Cultural Impact
The film explores themes of gender roles and why society forces people to hide their true identities, creating a powerful narrative about resistance against oppression. Schleinzer believes that Hüller's performance continues to move him even after countless viewings, proving the lasting power of cinema to challenge societal norms. His work has been recognized internationally, with the film screening at major festivals like VIFF and receiving attention from leading producers. [1]
Future Plans
Schleinzer confirmed that Margaret Ménégoz called him to say she wanted to make the film, indicating potential future production efforts. The director expressed satisfaction with how Hüller read the script and her reaction to his work, noting that her performance continues to move him deeply. While the film has already screened at VIFF, Schleinzer remains focused on the artistic integrity of the project and its impact on viewers. [1]
Sources and further reading
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