What happened to little Oskar?

David Bennent was twelve years old when he played Oskar Matzerath in “The Tin Drum” in 1979. It was the role that made him world-famous.  The small-statured star, who has grown from 3’8” to be 5’1” found such enormous success difficult to bear, and withdrew from the film industry.  Today, at 33-years old, David lives in Paris and performs in theatres throughout Europe. 

In order to present “The Tin Drum” in The Matinee for 50 Years of German Films, at the CineStart at Potsdamer Platz, David came to Berlin along with the director Volker Schloendorff and the producer Franz Seitz. Markus Tschiedert spoke with them.

What are your feelings when you see the film today?

Volker Schloendorff:  After so many years only good feelings remain.

David Bennent:  I find it very pleasant that the film has been remembered for so long.  It is also very nice for me, because I can see Franz Seitz and Volker Schloendorff again after such a long period of time. 

When did you see the film for the last time?

Bennent: About seven years ago, in Paris.  I am only here for one day, so instead of seeing the film I would rather go sightseeing in the city.

Wasn’t there a time when you didn’t want to hear anything about “The Tin Drum”?

Bennent:  That was only briefly after the film had come out and my parents were being attacked by the media. In time, of course, that passed.

Why did the media attack them?

Bennent:  People said that the lead role of the film was too hard for a small child. Additionally, I had growth problems and that was also exploited by the press.

You were only 12 years old, and there were a number of sex scenes you had to perform.  Did you understand what those things were about, at that age?

Bennent:  I had read the book, with my father to help me understand. The questions I had were answered without taboo or secrecy. Children are more intelligent and resilient than adults believe.  I was lucky to grow up with parents who discussed things freely.

Schloendorff:  David comes from a family of performers, and knew that in the filming nothing was genuinely sexual. He was educated and enlightened by his parents. So, without them it would not have been possible to make “The Tin Drum”.

Why did you withdraw from the film business at that time?

Bennent:  That was not such a radical choice.  I performed in the theatre, because it helped me personally.  As a theatre actor one is allowed to have peace and privacy.

Do you only work in Paris?

Bennent:  No. I am organizing dramatic readings with my father Heinz. We will perform throughout Germany soon.  We will be speaking from texts of Heiner Mueller, free from sets on stage.

Would you go in front of the camera again?

Bennent:  I would like to make a film again. But, so far, the offers are not very interesting.