People - Ulrich Matthes: Depression is a major issue
For his Christmas film "Winter Waltz", actor Ulrich Matthes wanted to portray the topic of depression in an appropriate way. "It was important to me - and I had the director Ingo Rasper at my side - to take the subject of depression seriously. It's a big issue in our society. Psychotherapy practices are full," said the 64-year-old ("Das Boot") in an interview with dpa about his leading role. "I've been spared it so far, except for three or four months during corona. That's when it kind of got me down. The theaters were closed and so was all public life. Fortunately, I'm basically mentally stable." The tragicomedy "Winter Waltz" is about a widower who initially wants to commit suicide, but finds new love through dancing. It will be shown on Friday (December 8) at 8.15 p.m. on Ersten.
Matthes attributes the fact that suicide is rarely discussed openly in films to possible fears "that someone who is on the brink of suicide might be encouraged", the so-called Werther effect. "It's tricky, of course, but I think that everything that exists in reality can, should and must also occur in art. Art is there to show and tell about the most terrible, the most absurd, the most irrational, the most disturbing things." In "Winter Waltz", Nina Kunzendorf plays the second leading role alongside Ulrich Matthes. The film was based on the novel "Der Donnerstagsmann" by Edda Leesch, who also wrote the screenplay.
More about the movie
Read also:
- Will he be convicted as Jutta's murderer after 37 years?
- He also wanted to kill his cousin
- With live stream! Gawkers film dying man
- Is Saarland threatened with economic collapse?
- In Germany, discussions about mental health and diseases like depression are becoming more common on television, prompted in part by actors like Ulrich Matthes.
- Despite the prevalence of depression in German society, many Movies fail to address the issue, fearing they might inadvertently encourage at-risk individuals, such as the so-called Werther effect.
- The Christmas movie "Winter Waltz," starring Ulrich Matthes, dives into the topic of depression with sensitivity and responsibility, shedding light on a topic often shrouded in mystery.
- Germans tuning into Ersten on December 8 at 8.15 p.m. will be treated to a heartwarming tale of a widower's struggle with depression and the love that helps him find new hope through dancing, thanks to Matthes' leading role.
- The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone's mental health globally; even renowned actors like Matthes, who admitted to feeling the blues during lockdowns.
- Actor Ulrich Matthes, hailing from Berlin, has made a name for himself in Germany's entertainment industry, advocating for open conversations about diseases like depression while contributing to the German film industry.
- Healing from depression is a journey that many people face, and Movies like "Winter Waltz" offer a sense of comfort, love, and encouragement that can inspire those struggling with their mental health during the holiday season.
Source: www.stern.de
