Taking its mark in a conversation with Poul Reumert in the spring of 1968, Asta Nielsen is interviewed inside her home in Copenhagen by the actor Axel Strøbye. She tells about her career as the first world-renowned film star, up until the 1920s, and about the time that followed, where her life unfolded partly in the theater and partly in anonymous seclusion in Denmark. The account of her life is illustrated with characteristic passages from a number of the most famous Asta Nielsen films: The Abyss, Engelein, Die Freudlose Gasse, Lulu and Hamlet. —Det Danske Filminstitut
Silent screen actress Asta Nielsen was renowned worldwide. Considered “the most fascinating personality of the primitive era,” she made over seventy films in her 22-year career. Prior to her silver screen debut in 1910’s Afgrunden, the Denmark born actress worked in the theater for ten years. She made Afgrunden against the advice of her theatrical peers, but it earned her immediate recognition for her naturalistic, subtle style that was in direct contrast to the broader acting style affected by most silent film performers. Soon after the film’s release, she received a contract offer from a German film company. Three years later she became a world-renowned star. Part of Nielsen’s naturalness on film came from her ability to ‘live herself into’ her characters. In addition to acting, she also participated in other aspects of filmmaking including the selection of locales, props, character development, casting, costuming, and publicity. While most of her films were melodramas… read more
