LATEST NEWS:

08.05.10:

Casting is underway on David Fincher's upcoming American adaptation of Stieg Larsson's hugely popular Swedish novel-turned-film - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. If you haven't picked up the trilogy, head to your nearest bookstore and start reading. This is intelligent and compelling crime fiction at its best. I absolutely loved it! Daniel Craig is locked to play journalist Mikael Blomkvist, while the more important role of computer hacker Lisbeth Salander has yet to be decided upon. Rooney Mara is the top contender. Three more relatively unknown actresses are also competing for the role - French actress Léa Seydoux and Australians Sarah Snook and Sophie Lowe. Frankly, I think they should just re-cast Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, who fully inhabits the complex role in the original scary and gorgeous thriller. Come to think of it, didn't the Swedes got it right the first time? Let's get real - foreign films far excel re-made Hollywood productions.

However, the exciting news of the day is that Stellan is in talks to play Martin Vanger! He's one of the principal suspects in the plot which chronicles the forty-year-old disappearance of a teenage girl. Of course, once upon a time, Stellan would have taken on the Blomkvist role in the Swedish version. Think "Insomnia". What a film! About his upcoming project, Stellan said, ""I have met David Fincher, I want to work with him. He wants to work with me. I have had a concrete offer and now we are in negotiations. The contract is for the period September to March, but I don't know yet when I am supposed to start my part of the film. Most of it is to be shot in Stockholm, but some studio work will be done in the U.S. I think there might be some location work there as well when it becomes too dark to shoot here." It's a shame that Stellan is not up for the role of Lizbeth's sadistic guardian because he'd have a chance to get naked again! (chuckling...) By the way, Robin Wright Penn may be playing Erika Berger, a role that was minimized in the Swedish version. Erika is the editor of finance magazine Millenium and the sometimes lover of Blomkvist.

Stellan was present at the press conference held Monday, July 26th, in the Swedish town of Trollhättan at the start of production on Lars Von Trier's MELANCHOLIA. The director was careful not to reveal much of the film's plot saying, "I have a plan and nobody will ever find out what the plan is." All we know of this plan is that the film is about two sisters – and a planet. Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg play the sisters with John Hurt playing their father. Keeping a close eye on her director during the press conference, Ms. Dunst was equally cagey about the plot: "I'm afraid of what I can say and can't say. I don't want to tell the story either." Next to her, co-star Kiefer Sutherland was gushing about the prospect of swapping a decade of Jack Bauer in "24" for arthouse cinema.

We do know that the first scene has been shot - the wedding between Kirsten and Alexander Skarsgård, whose proud dad commented, "It's like working with any talented actor, but I understand him well and I like to look at him."

Cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro said, "Von Trier finds an energy in the scenes before and make up with photographic aesthetics. It suits me fine.” He continuted, “all are on to improvise and take it from the hip. Each day we begin without instruction, and are then given instructions along the route. The actors are completely wild and very sweet and well prepared.”

Though the film falls into the psychological disaster genre, the filmmakers are also calling it "a beautiful movie about the end of the world." The impending disaster is in the shape of a planet called Melancholia that is heading closer and closer to Earth. The English-language film started shooting July 22 and will continue its shoot through September 8. The film is set for release in May-June 2011. The cast also includes Charlotte Rampling, Jesper Christensen, Udo Kier, Brady Corbet and Cameron Spurr.

Swedish newspaper Expressen ran an article on July 30 describing the Skargårds as one of the world's greatest acting families. Three of Stellan's sons: Alexander (33), Gustaf (29) and Bill (19) are working actors. In the last year Alexander, in particular, has stepped out of his father's shadow by major roles in the American TV series, "Generation Kill" and "True Blood".

Son sam (28) has, however, chosen to follow in his mother's footsteps in his ambition to become a doctor. Both My and Sam have also appeared in film in small roles, specifically, as mother and son in "Jim & piraterna Blom" back in 1987. In addition, Walter (14) appeared in both "Arn" films as well as two other films. This means seven Skarsgård family members have made it to the silver screen.

Ever since the kids were little, Stellan has taken his family on location when filming thereby introducing them to the acting profession. Several of his sons have expressed in various interviews that it can be tricky when your father is a famous actor. "I want to be hired because I have a talent rather than a name," Alexander told Expressen. It appears that this eldest son has finally freed himself these days, distancing himself from his father's shadow.

07.29.10:

Four-time Oscar nominee Kenneth Branagh may not have big action movie credentials, but as the director of THOR, Branagh's looking to prove to comic book fans - and moviegoers in general - that he can handle bringing Marvel's comic-based hero to life on the screen. And part of the process of selling his vision to fans was bringing his cast and clips to San Diego for the 2010 Comic Con on July 24th. Joining him was Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Kat Dennings on stage for a Q&A session at the biggest gathering of comic book fans on the planet. It was recently announced that the film will be screened in 3D. Look for a May 6, 2011 premiere date. At this time, only a handful of images have been released and, unfortunately, none with Stellan.

In previous postings, I have briefly and humorously indicated Stellan's negative encounter with Norwegian lunch culture, but I wanted to add this article that appeared in Norway's newspaper, Dagbladet, back in February. When Stellan filmed Moland's "Insomnia" in 1997, apparently, he was hungry all the time. He relates how he lost eight kilograms eating just bread and toppings while most Swedes are accustomed to having a hot meal at noon. When he was hired on for the lead role in  "En ganske still mann", he refused to sign on the dotted line until he was assured that he could get a good lunch with the highest European quality. Producer Finn Gjerdrum confirms this is accurate and good food was indeed included in Stellan's contract. The actor was willing to reduce his salary in order that the producers could achieve this catering challenge.

Gjerdrum did not regard Stellan's requirements as snobbish. "When you work as much as Skarsgård does and are on film sets that many days a year, it is clear that it's important you get good food. It applies to the entire staff. A good meal is important for motivation. So what was Stellan served? According to chef Per Olof Nummedal who delivered the food to the set, it was solid food, always made from scratch. He said, "I served a lot of salmon, but also included roast lamb with potatoes. What impressed me about Skarsgård was that he was not only concerned about getting good food, but that he also wanted the staff to eat properly. He was a very nice man."

07.18.10:

It has come to my attention that I missed an important event this past spring when Stellan attended the 4th Annual Jewish Film Festival on May 25th in Zagreb, Croatia. He was there to present his 1990 movie, "Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg". I've posted a photo collection from that day including a morning appearance at the Academy of Dramatic Art where he was invited to speak to students. One particular photo will catch your attention - the one below showing Stellan standing next to his wife Megan with their son Ossian, at what looks to be a reception. The photo on the right is a precious discovery revealing a much younger Stellan holding his eldest son, Alexander.

According to a summation by one of the Academy's students, Stellan shared some of the following comments. His favorite theatre memory was an experimental play based on Strindberg's letters. Apparently, most of the audience left after five minutes and only a few remained to see him strip bare naked at the end. (Yes, his tendency to peel away his clothes began way back then...)  And typically, our Swede peppered his language with "fuck" and "fucked up". I love this man!

He praised POTC director George Verbinski describing him as a great man to work with. However, producers of the film did try to have him fired three times and they even considered firing Johnny Depp for his gay pirate portrayal. Depp admitted that he infuses a bit of homosexuality in all his roles. Interesting... Such a talented guy!

Stellan also told a story from twenty years ago when he was filming "Wallenberg". During production, an older Jewish lady who lived in the area and had known Wallenberg asked him if he wanted coffee. He politely answered "yes" and she then walked away. Two hours later, she returned with a cup of coffee that she had  made at her home. Stellan admitted it was half-filled with vodka since it was too damn cold!

Since his next project was working with Lars Von Trier, Stellan spoke about his friendship with the Danish director. He described him as highly sensitive and related the story of how they first met when Stellan came to audition for "Breaking the Waves". Lars told him to keep his distance because he didn't want physical contact with an outsider. Stellan then hugged him until the director relaxed.

Speaking of directors, he pointed out how a director has so much more control if it's an independent film. He also commented on working with THOR's Kenneth Branagh describing him as fantastic and the most entertaining director he's ever worked with. He also appreciated Branagh's ability to add depth to a supposedly cookie-cutter story. Because of his contract, there was limited discussion on his role other than the fact that he plays a scientist named Selvig who works with Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, and the two of them discover Thor when he falls from the sky.

07.16.10:

Among the many films to be screened this month at the Melbourne International Film Festival is A SOMEWHAT GENTLE MAN (aka En ganske snill mann).  Andrew Moraitis of Film Ink previewed the film and I share his positive comments here:

An imaginative and unexpectedly sprightly comedy from Norwegian filmmaker Hans Petter Moland (Zero Kelvin, Aberdeen), "A Somewhat Gentle Man" is a beautifully observed human comedy about redemption and revenge. A terrific star vehicle for its very game star, the Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård plays Ulrich, a slow, but well-meaning ex-con trying to return to normalcy on the outside. The film has an understated, Wes Anderson-style wit and fresh visual invention, benefiting greatly from a sly, inventive screenplay from Prague's Fupz Aakeson. All the actors are fine, but Skarsgård, in particular, gives a surprisingly warm, expertly comic performance as the frayed Ulrich. Beautifully photographed and sharply edited, "A Somewhat Gentle Man" is the most unexpectedly bright, wistfully unpredictable comedy since Steven Soderbergh's "The Informant.".

Nordisk Trust reports that the film has been sold to over 20 countries in Europe, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland. The producers are very pleased that the film was met with laughter and a standing ovation from the press and public at the Berlin Film Festival, which has obviously had a positive impact on interest internationally. Producer Finn Gjerdrum is happy - "We seem to have a film that reaches a wide audience beyond the borders of Norway."

Here's a fan photo showing Stellan and Alexander in Stockholm this month. It's rare that you come across photos of the two of them. While shooting "Thor", Alexander and girlfriend Kate Bosworth visited him in New Mexico. Stellan had previously met with Ms. Bosworth on several occasions and has described her as "nice".  He confirms that the relationship is serious. When Extra met up with Stellan, he had just returned from the Sante Fe desert. He described the shoot as "Cold as hell, but fun," and added, "Kenneth Branagh is incredibly funny. You laugh as you cry during the shoot. And Natalie Portman is so incredibly good. And smart. Too bad she is a vegan!"

As far as reuniting with family,  Stellan makes sure he sees his children as frequently as possible even though they are often spread out. These days he goes on location with his wife Megan and 14-month-old son, Ossian, as much as possible. When asked if his older children sometimes seek out his advice, he responded, "No, none of them have done so. There is not much to tell them. Alexander has lived and worked in LA a long time now. I just go there to work." Though Stellan continues to work around the world and often in LA, he always returns to Södermalm and he is adamant about remaining there. He says he would never be willing to live in the US, one reason being that "everything is so career-oriented and social intercourse is all about business."

06.12.10:

May 2011 is the target date for the Marvel Studios superhero film - THOR. The cast is as follows:

The first on-set footage was revealed last week on "Entertainment Tonight". The set visit featured mostly Chris Helmsworth and Natalie Portman chatting about non-specific details regarding the film. Director Kenneth Branagh seems intent on keeping his production super secret. The footage reveals the American southwest setting of the picture as well as a chamber that may very well be a piece of the Asgard set. You can also get glimpses of Anthony Hopkins as the one-eye Odin and a couple shots of Stellan. In theaters May 6, 2011, Thor, the arrogant Norse warrior, is forced to live among humans as punishment after reigniting an ancient war in his world. His true mettle is put to the test when a villainous foe sends dark forces from the realm of Asgard to invade Earth. The photo above of Helmsworth as Thor is the first image released.

Next month Stellan will be off to Trollhättan in Sweden to take part in Lars Von Trier's film, MELANCHOLIA. It will be the first time that Stellan and his son Alexander will play father and son on film. Stellan says he will play a guy who works in the advertising business. The proud father says he's thrilled about his son's success in Hollywood. "It's not always enough to be good to be successful. Alexander has been working very hard in Los Angeles for several years now. It's fun to see how bloody good he is!"

06.07.10:

A couple days ago the NY Post published an article on the Skarsgård family, namely to zero in on the "True Blood" fame of Alexander. I believe it was hastily written; hence, it's poor journalism with several errors and glaring omissions, such as the fact that Stellan's seventh child was born to his second wife, Melanie Everett! Shame on the NY Post!

05.18.10:

Stellan made an appearance last weekend at the Cannes Film Festival! On May 14th he attended a pre-screening party on Harle Yacht to celebrate the new film, MOOMINS AND THE COMET CHASE. The Finnish stereoscopic 3D animation film by Maria Lindberg is based on the popular characters created by Finnish writer Tove Jansson. The characters inspired various TV shows spanning more than three decades and were a huge hit all over Scandinavia and in many parts of Europe and Japan. Stellan was joined at Cannes by Helena Mattson and Mads Mikkelsen, who also provided voices for the Moomin characters. In a interview with Stellan at Cannes, he shared his reaction to the film, "Wow, finally an art movie for six-year-olds!" The film will be released domestically by FS Film on August 8. Nordisk Film will open the film with Scandinavian rights and Myndform in Iceland. The film's producer Tom Carpelan said a second Moomin film based on the Polish TV series from the 1970s will start production in the autumn. Click here for more photos from Cannes.

Every year a lot of film news comes out of the Cannes Film Festival, and one project creating some buzz is Stellan's film, FRANKIE & ALICE, starring Halle Berry as a stripper with multiple personalities. The Hollywood Reporter’s Duane Byrge saw the film in the marketplace and describes Berry's character as follows: “She switches from hard-drinking, promiscuous lady of the night to a teetotaling, racist Southern white belle, and, to boot, a genius-level kid. Not surprisingly, this lands her in a lot of trouble, personally and legally.” The film is still in search of an outlet for distribution. Here's an excerpt from Bryge's review:

Overall, "Frankie & Alice" is a well-wrought psychological drama that delves into the dark side of one woman's psyche. Berry is spellbinding as Frankie, a young L.A. exotic dancer. If stripping for a living weren't chaotic enough, Frankie is plagued by gigantic personality swings: She switches from hard-drinking, promiscuous lady of the night to a teetotaling, racist Southern white belle, and, to boot, a genius-level kid. Not surprisingly, this lands her in a lot of trouble, personally and legally.

Crammed into a public psych ward after an "episode," Frankie is left in the care of an emotionally drained psychiatrist (Stellan Skarsgard). The good doctor is a former LSD "researcher" who is still trying to plug into another reality. Down to basic prognosis, however, he's essentially a mope who medicates with tuna sandwiches, jazz and liquor. Frankie gets his professional and personal juices flowing again...

Although six scribes credited with the screenplay usually predicts erratic story and mood swings, "Frankie" does not suffer from multiple writer disorder. Both clinically and dramatically, it's an engaging titillation despite a somewhat flat last half-hour. Throughout, its exhibitionist proclivities are evened-out under director Geoffrey Sax's astute guidance and the intelligent, nuanced performances of Berry and Skarsgård. In addition, the supporting performances are rock-solid, particularly Phylicia Rashad's steadfast portrayal of Frankie's supportive but enabling mother. Scoped in a hard-noir style, with mean-streets Canada standing in for Los Angeles, "Frankie & Alice " is a technically well-balanced entertainment.

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A great resource for checking out Stellan's movies on TV this month.