Diane Kruger
"Inglourious Basterds" has been very good for German-born actress Diane Kruger. The film has been one of 2009’s biggest international hits with critics and audiences. She has also been recognized with two nominations for the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards: best supporting actress in a motion picture and best cast in a motion picture. (She shares the latter nomination with several of her "Inglourious Basterds" co-stars.)
"Inglourious Basterds" (written and directed by Quentin Tarantino) was released December 15 on DVD and Blu-ray, the same day that Kruger was one of the announcers of the 2010 Golden Globe nominations. Two days later, Kruger received her SAG Award nominations. In "Inglourious Basterds," which is set in World War II, she plays Bridget Von Hammersmark, a German movie star who’s also a double-agent spy. In this interview, Kruger talked about her "Inglourious Basterds" experience at the film’s press junket in Los Angeles.
How does "Inglourious Basterds" compare to other Quentin Tarantino films?
The tone is very much like the rest of his films. It’s always the same sort of mix of spaghetti Western, film noir, comedy. It’s truly his voice. It’s so unique.
Diane Kruger in "Inglourious Basterds"
What do you think of Quentin Tarantino as a screenwriter?
He’s so familiar with each and every character that he created. I mean, I could tell you 20 back story for Bridget Von Hammsersmark. So there’s a sense of you feel safe. You know exactly why your character is doing this or that, sitting there, why she’s here, and why she became this.
This movie is unusual for Quentin Tarantino, because there are several languages spoke in the movie, including English, German, French. He also cast actors from several nationalities in the film. What do you think about that?
I have to admit: To me, that was my perfect idea of a chaotic set. Just being able to speak three languages, shooting it in Europe, it was wonderful to work with all these actors that you don’t necessarily know. Finally doing a film in my mother tongue, it was wonderful! It felt like the most European/American film I’ve ever done.
Diane Kruger, Quentin Tarantino and Christoph Waltz at the Melbourne premiere of "Inglourious Basterds," August 2009
What was it like working with Christoph Waltz, who plays the Nazi colonel Hans Landa? He’s been getting a lot of attention for his performance in "Inglourious Basterds."
Christoph Waltz, I have no idea where Quentin found him. I had never heard of him before. He’s been doing television series and movies for 30 years. And he’s a revelation in this movie. He’s just wonderful. It’s so scary, so, so scary. And when you meet him, he’s the nicest, most pleasant, gentle little man. And I don’t know, he just really had a great take on this character.
Can you talk about the humor in "Inglourious Basterds"?
Like all of his films, you find yourself laughing out loud at the most inappropriate moments. I was surprised when I saw ["Inglourious Basterds"] for the first time of how funny it actually is.
Diane Kruger in "Inglourious Basterds"
What do you say to women who are reluctant to see a Quentin Tarantino film because they think his films are too violent?
I’d say most of Quentin’s films are female-driven. Usually, the heroines of the story are more intelligent than anyone else and all the men in the film. And I think this one is actually a lot less gore than recent films he’s been doing. So I really think that women will get a kick out of this movie. It’s really empowering.
How else would you describe "Inglourious Basterds"?
I always say the best way to describe "Inglourious Basterds" is it’s truly Quentin’s take on World War II, which sets it up for the insanity that will occur.
Diane Kruger in "Inglourious Basterds"
What’s it like to work with Quentin Tarantino?
He’s definitely the captain of his ship. The joy and passion he has about making films and showing films and watching movies is very palpable on set. Everybody loved working this movie, and it’s wonderful to come to work and feel like it’s a happy day. It doesn’t even feel like work. It feels like you’re playing with your favorite toys.
Photo credits: Photos #1 AP. Photo #3: Getty Images. Photos #2, 4, 5: The Weinstein Company.
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