Simon Verhoeven - Director talks about his parents' influence
Director Simon Verhoeven (51) talks about the downsides of his career as the son of famous parents. "I think, for example, that if 'Welcome to the Hartmanns' had been made by someone less well-known, the film would have won several German film awards," he says in the German edition of "Playboy". With him, "there's always a little bit of resentment and an envy factor".
Verhoeven is the son of actress Senta Berger (82), his father is the director and doctor Michael Verhoeven (85). This fact was a burden for him as a director for a long time. "You realize that you're under different scrutiny and that gloating is poured on you more quickly," says the 51-year-old. Outsiders are quick to judge and think he always had it easy. But he had to "fight long and hard" to assert himself in the business.
The constant questions about his mother at the start of his career also caused him some problems. The "Männerherzen" director now copes better with being asked about his mother, for example. The questions have also decreased over time, but according to the Munich-born director, they will never disappear completely. But Verhoeven doesn't let it ruin his relationship with his mother. He uses his time with Senta Berger in film projects such as "Welcome to the Hartmanns" to his advantage by putting her in front of his own lens as an actress. "People don't go to my films because I'm someone's son, but because the trailer convinces them," he emphasizes in the "Playboy" interview.
His latest film will be released on December 21
Simon Verhoeven's latest work "Girl You Know It's True" celebrated its world premiere in Munich on December 4. In the film, the director sheds light on the career of the 80s pop duo Milli Vanilli, who never sang their hits themselves. After the scandal became public, the band members had to deal with hostility from fans all over the world. The film starring Matthias Schweighöfer (42) will be released in cinemas on December 21.
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At the world premiere of his latest film "Girl You Know It's True," director Simon Verhoeven was joined by actress Senta Berger, his mother. Despite the film's focus on the Milli Vanilli scandal and the duo's lack of singing talent, Verhooven's celebrity status due to his parents may draw audiences more to the film for its promotional trailer rather than his familial connections.
Source: www.stern.de
