The atmosphere on the set of Joseph Vilsmaier’s last film “The Boandlkramer and Eternal Love” was special, as Sebastian Bezzel says.
The film “Der Boandlkramer and Eternal Love”, which was awarded the Bavarian Film Prize, starts on Friday (May 14) exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. It is the last film by cult director Joseph Vilsmaier (1939-2020, “Comedian Harmonists”), who died on February 11, 2020, as a surprise to many. Actor Sebastian Bezzel (49) is part of the great cast of Michael Bully Herbig (53) as Boandlkramer, Hannah Herzsprung (39) as his beloved and Hape Kerkeling (56) as the devil.
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Sebastian Bezzel tells how this last shooting with Joseph “Sepp” Vilsmaier was. He also explains why “the funniest and most loving character” in this story is death, of all things.
What connects you with “Brandner Kaspar” and why did you take part in “The Boandlkramer and Eternal Love”, the last film by Joseph Vilsmaier?
Sebastian Bezzel: Already with the first film “The Story of Brandner Kaspar” [2008, Red.] played by Joseph Vilsmaier. And many years ago I had a role in the play “Der Brandner Kaspar” at the Residenztheater in Munich. That’s why I’m very familiar with the material. I also knew what Sepp wanted to do and then this fabulous cast. He really rounded up a lot of people again. It was great. And it was actually also clear that it would be a nice thing, especially since it was his big dream to make this film in his life.
Did you know that it will be Joseph Vilsmaier’s last film?
Bezzel: I didn’t know that Sepp was so sick. But in retrospect, a lot of things became clear to me. The official reading was that he had a back problem and had to take medication because of it. He really had the back problem due to an accident a few years ago. I didn’t know any more.
What did you realize in retrospect? Can you give an example?
Bezzel: Above all, it was his dealings with us. On the last day of shooting, for example, he didn’t want me to drive to the airport straight away. “We’ll have a half a beer or a piece of cake,” he said. I think he was saying “Pfiati” to you in his own way.
Is there anything else that Joseph Vilsmaier will not forget you?
Bezzel: That’s just how I got the film. When Simon Schwarz and I were shooting “Die Grenzgänger” two years ago, I got a call from an unknown number during my lunch break. When I answered it was a pretty euphoric Sepp and said: “Sebastian, there is the Sepp. In the autumn they will draw on new ‘Boandlkramer’-Fuim and you will be there. Des wead is great. Since Bully is there and you are a part of it, you have to be part of it. Well, I’ll send da’s Buach and see us in autumn. ” Then he has more or less actually hung up.
Presumably he would not have accepted a “no”. It was a bit difficult for me in terms of time because I was also shooting the next Eberhof thriller “Kaiserschmarrndrama” during that time. But it was just a dream to talk to Joseph Vilsmaier on the phone, because it was still old school, a word counted, a handshake, and that is exactly what ran through the filming. It was really great fun. And my role was really great too.
How did you experience filming with Vilsmaier then?
Bezzel: It was always a dream to work with him because he was just such a great guy and looked after his people so much. He could get grumpy and scold properly. But that was never hurtful or angry, it was just Sepp.
Was Joseph Vilsmaier able to shoot the whole film or did a colleague have to step in at some point?
Bezzel: Sepp shot and edited everything. We even had an extra day of shooting after that. Two months after the end of shooting, Sepp called me again and we shot an additional scene in which I, my role, my rival [Helmfried von Lüttichau, 64], whom I beat up while I was alive, run into my arms again. This scene adds even more tension to the film. And of course it was a huge gift for me, because this reference to her previous life gave my role even more weight. But then I only made the dubbing appointment with Bully.
How did you feel when you heard about Joseph Vilsmaier’s death in February 2020?
Bezzel: I was incredibly sad when I found out and also went to Munich for the funeral service. That was one of the last things you could do. Shortly thereafter, the first lockdown began. And it’s really an honor for me to be part of it.
In “The Boandlkramer and Eternal Love” death (Boandlkramer) is portrayed very lovably. Was that how Joseph Vilsmaier was reconciled with death, can that be interpreted?
Bezzel: That’s the trick in the original, in Franz von Kobell’s novella, which was published in 1871. Or in the play by Kurt Wilhelm, and in the film adaptations that have existed before, for example with Paul Hörbiger. Or the TV recordings with Toni Berger or the first Vilsmaier film with Bully …
The funniest and most loving character in this story is death. That is also the great thing about the material that this figure is not portrayed as a sinister and evil fellow, but as a poor pig who does not belong anywhere. They don’t want him on earth, he’s never been in paradise and he’s not in hell either. He is the mediator between the worlds, but not welcome anywhere. The story is of course based on a very Catholic worldview, but for a fairy tale or folk legend it is a great idea.
What was it like behind the scenes? Was it especially funny when there were so many comedy greats on the set? Or wasn’t it any different from, for example, a “Tatort” shoot?
Bezzel: It was different from a “Tatort” shoot because it was a movie. The work involved is more complex, with a different technique and different settings. In terms of mood, it’s not like there is a constant firework of jokes behind the scenes when comedians and comedians shoot together. I really couldn’t say that – that’s not the case with the Eberhofer thrillers either.
The atmosphere on set was incredibly friendly and very pleasant, also because people like Bully and Rick Kavanian simply work in this style. It might sound trite, but they are just very nice people. For me personally, it was also very nice to see so many colleagues again after a long time.
In a few days there will be another reason to celebrate: On May 18th you will celebrate your 50th birthday. How are you going to celebrate and what does the number mean to you?
Bezzel: I’m not going to celebrate big for the well-known reasons. Last year is my wife [Schauspielerin Johanna Christine Gehlen] Turned 50, so we couldn’t celebrate. At some point we’ll make up for that with a big party, if it’s allowed again. Otherwise, my, that’s the way it is. But I did with the Simon [Schwarz] can already talk about it, he turned 50 in January.
So, did he give you a tip?
Bezzel: No. Just accept, he said (laughs).