Quick Summary
- 1Stellan Skarsgård, 74, appeared at the San Sebastián Film Festival to promote 'Valor sentimental', the latest drama by director Joachim Trier.
- 2The film explores the complex relationship between a famous filmmaker, played by Skarsgård, and his estranged daughters following the death of their mother.
- 3Skarsgård arrived early to his interview at the Hotel María Cristina, appearing tired but happy amidst the film's critical success and the recent birth of his eighth grandchild.
- 4The actor, who suffered a stroke three years ago that altered his working methods, is currently on an intensive international tour that began at the Cannes Film Festival.
Quick Summary
Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård is currently promoting his latest film, 'Valor sentimental', directed by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier. The 74-year-old actor met with the press during the San Sebastián Film Festival, held at the Hotel María Cristina, as part of a rigorous international tour that started at the Cannes Film Festival.
The film is a drama centered on the relationship between a famous director, Gustav, and his daughters. After years of absence, the father returns home following the death of his wife, attempting to reconcile with his children and film a script he wrote. The project has generated significant buzz, with speculation that it could lead to Skarsgård's first Academy Award nomination after sixty years in the industry.
During the interview, Skarsgård discussed his health, having suffered a stroke three years ago that impacted his work, and his personal life, noting the recent birth of his eighth grandchild. He describes himself as a 'nepo daddy' with a large family of actors.
The Film: A Return to Family
'Valor sentimental' represents a significant collaboration between Stellan Skarsgård and director Joachim Trier, who gained fame in 2021 with the romantic anti-comedy 'The Worst Person in the World'. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is now being presented at other major European festivals.
The narrative focuses on Gustav, a renowned film director whose career is in decline. He returns to the family home after the death of the mother, hoping to repair broken bonds and shoot a personal project. The script, written by the character, details his life with his youngest daughter, portrayed by Renate Reinsve. However, she refuses to participate due to lingering anger, prompting Gustav to cast a younger star, Elle Fanning, instead.
The resulting film is described as a melodrama filled with conversations and flashbacks, exploring heavy themes such as:
- Family dynamics and reconciliation
- The inevitability of death
- Legacy and what remains after we are gone
Critics have noted that the film's style leans heavily into bergmanian aesthetics, referencing the legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman.
"Autoproclamado nepo daddy, el sueco es padre de ocho hijos de los cuales seis son actores."— Source Content
Career and Health Status
At 74 years old, Stellan Skarsgård remains a vital presence in cinema, but his work habits have changed. Three years ago, he suffered a derrame (stroke), an event that has permanently affected his approach to acting and filming schedules. Despite this health challenge, he expressed happiness regarding the positive reception of 'Valor sentimental'.
The actor's career spans six decades, yet he has never received an Oscar nomination. 'Valor sentimental' is viewed by many as the film that could finally change that statistic. The role of Gustav allows Skarsgård to display a range of emotions, from regret to hope, in a production that runs for approximately two hours.
Skarsgård's schedule remains intense. The stop in the Basque city is just one of many stops on a global promotional tour. His dedication to the craft continues despite the physical toll, driven by the success of the project and the support of his family.
Family Life: The 'Nepo Daddy' 🏠
Outside of his professional life, Stellan Skarsgård is a patriarch of a massive acting dynasty. He jokingly refers to himself as a nepo daddy, acknowledging the influence his family has had on the entertainment industry. He is the father of eight children.
Six of his eight children have followed him into acting. Among them, the most internationally recognized are Alexander Skarsgård, known for his role in 'True Blood', and Bill Skarsgård, famous for his portrayal of Pennywise in 'It'. The family is known for their close ties and frequent collaborations.
During his time in San Sebastián, Skarsgård shared that he had just become a grandfather for the eighth time. This personal milestone coincided with the professional success of his new film, making it a particularly joyful period for the actor.
Frequently Asked Questions
His new movie is 'Valor sentimental', a drama directed by Joachim Trier about a father trying to reconcile with his daughters.
He has eight children, six of whom are actors, including Alexander and Bill Skarsgård.
No, despite a six-decade career, he has never been nominated for an Oscar, though his latest role is generating awards buzz.
