Sandra Hüller, the acclaimed German actress known for her versatile and fearless performances, doesn’t adhere to formalities. As we meet at a designer hotel in Cologne, Germany, Hüller greets me with a casual “Du” instead of the formal “Sie,” indicating her familiarity and comfort. She quickly excuses herself to take care of her shopping and ensure her dog is settled before settling down for our conversation. Hüller, dressed in a laid-back outfit with minimal makeup, emphasizes the importance of accepting her as she is, with her groceries and dog in tow.
Hüller gained international recognition for her standout role in Maren Ade’s Toni Erdmann, a German cringe comedy that was a hit at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016. But it was her performances in two films at this year’s festival, Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall and Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, that further solidified her reputation as a versatile and daring actress. French news network France 24 declared Hüller as “one of Europe’s most versatile and fearless actresses.” While Anatomy is a twisty legal thriller and The Zone of Interest is a contemplation on the banality of evil, Hüller’s ability to portray complex and unsympathetic characters seamlessly connects the two films.
Triet, who first worked with Hüller on the 2019 comedy Sibyl, praises her elusive and multifaceted nature as an actress. She describes Hüller as someone who can evoke tremendous empathy while also maintaining a cold and frank demeanor. Hüller’s courage to take on unlikable characters who defy societal expectations of likability showcases her fearlessness as an actress.
Anatomy of a Fall won the Palme d’Or for best film at Cannes, while The Zone of Interest received the runner-up Grand Prix. The unprecedented success of both films, with Hüller as the lead actress, has generated significant buzz. As the films make their way to the Telluride and Toronto film festivals, Hüller is being hailed as an early favorite for this year’s awards season. From Europe’s art house circuit to a potential leap into mainstream recognition, Hüller’s career trajectory seems to be on the rise.
Related Post
Hüller was born in Friedrichroda, a small town in rural Thuringia, East Germany, in 1978. Her parents were educators, and it was an artistic-minded teacher and a school theater course that sparked her interest in acting. She applied and was accepted to Berlin’s prestigious Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts after the Berlin Wall fell when she was 17. Graduating in 2003, she excelled in her craft, known for her technical skill and ability to consistently deliver powerful performances.
German stage acting is known for its demanding and mentally taxing nature, with full-time actors expected to work tirelessly both day and night. Hüller’s fearlessness and ability to push boundaries made her a sought-after collaborator. Her film debut in 2006’s Requiem, directed by Hans-Christian Schmid, showcased her raw and emotional talent, earning her the Silver Bear for best actress at the Berlin Film Festival.
However, Hüller’s breakout moment came with Toni Erdmann in 2016, where she played an ambitious corporate consultant with a complex relationship with her father. The film garnered critical acclaim at Cannes, and Hüller’s memorable scenes, including her rendition of Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All,” propelled her into the spotlight. Sony Pictures Classics acquired the film for the U.S., leading to an Oscar nomination for best international feature.
While the Oscar nomination brought Hüller some attention in Hollywood, she remained primarily in demand among European directors, particularly those in France. Justine Triet crafted the character of Sandra in Anatomy of a Fall specifically for Hüller, emphasizing her strengths as an actress. Hüller’s portrayal of Sandra, a successful novelist accused of killing her husband, showcases her ability to authentically embrace the character’s ambiguities.
Despite her rising fame and potential for mainstream success, Hüller remains grounded in her European roots. She expresses her desire to work in the U.S. and collaborate with amazing people but emphasizes that her foundation will always be as a German-speaking European actress. Her commitment to her craft and willingness to take on challenging roles demonstrate her dedication and passion for acting.
As Hüller’s films make their way to North American audiences at the Telluride and Toronto film festivals, her star continues to rise. Her fearless performances and ability to transcend likability create a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. Sandra Hüller’s career trajectory is a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress, and she is poised to leave an indelible mark on the international film industry.
