“Faking Hitler”
Moritz Bleibtreu shot in the bathtub for three days
Moritz Bleibtreu in his role as Konrad Kujau in “Faking Hitler”.
© RTL / Tom Trambow
The series “Faking Hitler” is about the forged Hitler diaries. Moritz Bleibtreu reveals what he had to do for the shoot.
In the early 80s a scandal rocked the “Stern”. The news magazine announced in 1983 that Adolf Hitler’s diaries were in his possession. Even before the results of an authenticity check by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) were available, the first extracts were published – a big mistake. Because a little later the BKA announced: The books are fake. Behind it was the painter Konrad Kujau (1938-2000), who wrapped the “Stern” reporter Gerd Heidemann (89) around his finger.
In the new fictionalized drama series “Faking Hitler” (from November 30th on RTL +) the bizarre story is told around the publication. While Lars Eidinger (45) plays the role of journalist Heidemann in the six parts, Moritz Bleibtreu (50) embodies the forger Kujau. The native of Munich can still well remember the scandal of that time. “I was around twelve years old at the time and everyone was in a state of excitement,” said the 50-year-old. During the shooting, the actor also had the opportunity to hold the “real” fake diaries in his hands. Bleibtreu reveals in an interview with the news agency spot on news what that triggered in him and why he had to lie in the bathtub for the role for several days.
The fake Hitler diaries were an absolute scandal for the “Stern” in the 1980s. How did you notice that back then?
Moritz Bleibtreu: I was around twelve years old at the time and everyone was extremely excited. I can still remember the double page of the “star”. My mother thought it was very funny at the time and said that it was the end of the star. That didn’t happen then. But as part of the press work on “Faking Hitler” I was only in the “Stern” editorial team and was allowed to look at the Hitler diaries and the original article.
How did it feel to hold the diaries in my hands?
Bleibtreu: You immediately get the impression that a lot of people wanted to believe in the authenticity. From the wrong initials on the cover to the processing – one wonders how nobody could notice that.
You play the fraudster Konrad Kujau in the series “Faking Hitler”. What attracted you to the script or the role?
Bleibtreu: I’ve always liked stories about counterfeiters. These types of criminals play in the Champions League in the criminal world. Because it’s kind of a gentlemanly offense in a way. At the same time, Kujau was a very funny guy. I found it very amusing and I still remember it well. He had the rogue on his neck and was endowed with a healthy dose of courage and zest for life. It is a great template for actors.
You are a native Bavarian and have now played a Swabian. How difficult did you find it to speak the dialect?
Bleibtreu: Kujau actually comes from Saxony. If you listen carefully, at least that’s what I imagined, you can hear a slight mixture of Swabian and Saxon. I always said it was fake Swabian. Back then, a Saxon dialect wasn’t cool. I think he simply made the Swabian language so that it sounds “a bissle” better.
Kujau likes to take a bath to relax. How many hours in total did you lay in the tub for the series?
Bleibtreu: We had been together for a few hours. That was at least three days. But I had a great team and great colleagues. To that extent it was possible and I was made very comfortable.
Where or how do you find relaxation yourself?
Bleibtreu: It’s the same for me, I also like to lie in the bathtub. Just not that often and I don’t go into hiding. I also enjoy cooking and reading. So normal things that you do when you stretch your feet a little.
Her character likes to be in the spotlight and even voluntarily chooses to go to prison. What about you? Do you like to be in the spotlight?
Bleibtreu: There were different phases in my life. When I was younger I certainly enjoyed that too. But that’s not why I decided to become an actor. I didn’t believe that you could become so famous with your job. Meanwhile I got used to it and made my peace with it. But I’m not one to do anything for the sake of fame.
So do you make films because the role appeals to you? Or what criteria do you use to select your projects?
Bleibtreu: There are various reasons why I choose a project. Sometimes a role isn’t all that exciting, but the director or the whole story is just great. These decisions are less about money or fame. I do projects that I like and that I would like to see myself.
Konrad Kujau always has a funny saying on his lips. Would you also describe yourself as a humorous person?
Bleibtreu: Definitely. That I had no sense of humor would be one of the worst things that could be said to me. Then something would have gone completely wrong. I have more than enough sense of humor.