Nikolai Kinski and Florian Frerichs Discuss Adapting Traumnovelle's Erotic Themes
N ikolai Kinski and Director Florian Frerichs chat with us about their film, Traumnovelle, a German adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's seminal erotic novella that inspired Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut. The film opens Wednesday at the Oldenburg Film Festival and explores new dimensions on timeless themes like desire and fantasy vs. reality.
In the lead roles are Kinski, known for Vikings: Valhalla and Masters of the Air, and Laurine Price, in this adaptation that delves into a deserving couple's induction into a world of secret erotic fantasy. Traumnovelle also stars Detlev Buck, Bruno Eyron, and Nora Islei, alongside cameos by Sharon Brauner and Sharon Kovacs. This Warnuts Entertainment and Studio Babelsberg production is set to hit German screens in early 2025.
In a recent Zoom interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Frerichs and Kinski shared their perspectives on the film and the challenges of handling erotic themes in today's context. Frerichs noted, "When I came back to the text after having seen Eyes Wide Shut, I was surprised at how contemporary it sounded. Schnitzler's exploration of the human condition and the duality in life—fantasy versus reality—has an air that is as relevant now as then."
Kinski echoed this sentiment, stating, "The timelessness of the story lies in its inner lives and the tension between our desires and our repressions. It's a universal conflict that remains as valid today as ever." They also discussed the challenge of depicting desire without being overly explicit. Frerichs praised Nikolai's ability to convey deep emotions without overt expression: "His subtlety makes the film much more emotionally inclined."
Kinski added that filming often felt awkward, referring to certain shots as "super awkward," and highlighted the crucial role intimacy coordinators played. "While the process may be unsexy and overly technical, having clear guidelines helps manage the awkwardness and focus on the performance," she explained.
On the evolving landscape of erotic films, Kinski remarked, "The #MeToo movement has created a new context in the depiction of sexuality, necessitating a more nuanced treatment. This film tries to bridge that gap with sensitivity and creativity." Frerichs compared their production timeline to Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, noting, "We had 28 days of shooting compared to Kubrick's 400. Despite the low budget, we were very structured and prepared, which made the process smoother."
For Kinski, who pours herself into every shot of Traumnovelle, the experience was "surreal." Both Frerichs and Kinski expressed their commitment to capturing Schnitzler's writing, focusing on the ambiguity and depth that made the original novella compelling. "The secret was to maintain the ambivalence Schnitzler created, allowing the audience to decide where the lines were between dream and reality," Frerichs concluded.
