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.