Claes Bang Returns to Cannes with ‘The Great Arch’
Celebrated Danish actor, Claes Bang, is back at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time since his role in the award-winning satire, The Square. This year, he joins director Stéphane Demoustier in showcasing The Great Arch, a film focused on the life of renowned Danish architect Johan Otto von Spreckelsen. The film is part of the Un Certain Regard selection, which highlights unique storytelling and innovative cinematography.
The Legacy of Johan Otto von Spreckelsen
The story unfolds around Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, who gained recognition after winning the design competition for France’s iconic La Grande Arche de la Défense in 1983. Although celebrated for his vision of a simple yet monumental white cube, von Spreckelsen faced numerous challenges, primarily stemming from bureaucratic hurdles and political interference. Bang feels a deep connection to the narrative, stating, “It’s such a sad story. What he starts out with and what he wants to do is so cool and so great, and then he ends up withdrawing from the project.”
Returning to Cannes: A Full Circle
Bangs return to Cannes is significant, especially as he reflects on the thematic parallels between The Square and The Great Arch. Both films explore the concepts of community, interaction, and the power of places designed for connectivity. “I was with a movie called The Square about a square. This time, I’m coming back with another movie about a square, albeit with a dimension added, so it’s a cube,” he noted during an interview.
Building Connections Through Cinema
As they explore the intricacies of creativity and ambition, The Great Arch also serves as a commentary on how various forces influence the creative process. Bang views the film as almost an allegory for filmmaking itself, illustrating how money, time, and differing artistic visions can complicate what initially seems to be a straightforward endeavor.
Researching the Role
In preparation for portraying Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, Bang conducted extensive research, tapping into his connections within the architectural community. He revealed, “Through [an architect’s] daughter, I got in touch with many people that went to Paris with him and worked on the project.” The warmth and affection that colleagues expressed towards Spreckelsen painted a vivid picture of the man behind the architectural legend.
The Cast and Collaboration
Working alongside a talented ensemble cast, including Sidse Babett Knudsen as Spreckelsen’s wife, Bang found collaboration to be both rewarding and challenging. With a significant portion of the dialogue in French, the actor noted he had to “rehearse the script thoroughly,” admitting, “I went through the script on a daily basis.” The language barrier posed a challenge, yet the chemistry he developed with his co-stars facilitated a captivating atmosphere during filming.
Reflecting on Career Milestones
Bangs’ artistic journey has been transformative since his breakthrough role with Ruben Östlund. When asked about the possibility of reuniting with Östlund for his upcoming film, he humorously mentioned, “He’s quite reluctant to put actors back in his movies.” Despite this, Bang hopes to work with him again, demonstrating his dedication to creative collaboration.
A Multifaceted Filmography
The breadth of Bang’s work is evident, as he’s continued to take on diverse roles in projects like Dracula, Bad Sisters, and soon William Tell. Bang expressed thanks for his versatile career, stating, “I really like that it’s so diverse and goes in so many different directions.” This diversity allows him to challenge himself as an actor and explore various facets of storytelling.
Future Projects
Looking ahead, Claes Bang is set to be part of several exciting projects, including Bonjour Tristesse, slated for release in North America soon, alongside an action comedy with Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista titled The Wrecking Crew. Bang’s upcoming projects further establish him as a versatile and dynamic force in the film industry.
A Unique Cultural Experience
Engaging with the French film industry has offered Bang a unique experience. He noted cultural differences that played a role in the storytelling aspect of The Great Arch. “There was an enormous case of stuff being lost in translation,” he explained, emphasizing the necessity of understanding nuanced cultural dynamics when working on international projects.
A Vision Beyond Borders
Bangs portrayal of Johan Otto von Spreckelsen in The Great Arch is a testament to the universal themes of creativity, ambition, and interconnectedness. As mingling pathways intersect in the film, audiences are invited to reflect on their relationships with art, architecture, and people. The need for shared spaces and open dialogue resonates deeply with contemporary viewers.