Sebastian Koch amazed movie-goers all over the globe with his performance in internationally acclaimed “The Lives of Others”. Due to Die Hard 5. being shot in Budapest, he spent four months in Hungary’s capital, and got acquainted with the city. During the course of our one-hour-long interview, he shared his experiences regarding movies, Budapest, and Berlin.
We Love Budapest: Up until now, you’ve never been a part of a Hollywood blockbuster. How did you get involved in Die Hard 5., and what was your attitude towards your role?
Sebastian Koch: The director, John Moore, wanted to work with me for quite some time, and it finally happened. Since I am more of an independent actor, and usually make low-budget films, I wanted to experience the atmosphere of a major production. This year was mostly about new challenges, anyway.
WLB: Regarding genres or countries?
Sebastian Koch: Both. One month, I was shooting a film taking place in 18th century Greece, then I was doing a German movie with a political subject, followed by a trip to London, then came Die Hard 5. and Budapest. It truly was a voyage around genres and countries.
WLB: Have you seen any of the prior Die Hards?Sebastian Koch: After I was asked to do the role, I watched all of them, and I became a fan of the third one.
WLB: 86 days of shooting, 4 and a half months of Budapest. Have you had the time to get acquainted with the city?
Sebastian Koch: Well, I’ve had enough time to fall in love with Budapest. I was certainly lucky, because I met wonderful, knowledgable people right at the beginning of my stay. They were really helpful, and provided good times at great places. All in all, I have to say that I got to know the most attractive aspects of Budapest.
WLB: You need more than that to fall in love…
Sebastian Koch:That is absolutely correct. Budapest reminds me of Berlin after the blooming 90s, when it began to transform into a world city, although it was not prepared at all for such a conversion. Charming uncertainity, imperfection, extremities – this is what I like about Budapest besides its receptiveness.
WLB: Much more than, say, Paris or London?
Sebastian Koch: I believe so. People are more relaxed, because the competition is not as strong as in New York, Paris, or London, where your opinion only gets heard if you say something really original. The urge to achieve is not as fierce in Budapest, there’s a looser vibe about the city.
WLB: Maybe your opinion is lopsided because of the similarities between Berlin and Budapest. It seems like you love the city as much as any resident. Have you noticed anything about Budapest that resembles Berlin?
Sebastian Koch: Berlin is getting more and more modernised, while Budapest still has many secrets. Moreover, these hidden treasures are all gathered in a smaller area – and I’m not only referring to ruin pubs.
WLB: Ten years ago, you were here to shoot “Szomorú vasárnap” (“Gloomy Sunday”). How much has Budapest changed during a decade?
Sebastian Koch: I think Hungarians were more open-minded back then. It seems like they are worried about the increasing number of foreign residents in the city, and they might feel like they have something to lose. Certain tweaks are noticable regarding this attitude, but real change will take generations.
WLB: When will you come back to Budapest?
Sebastian Koch: I wrote a script in which Budapest will play the role of 1930s Berlin, so I’m sure I’ll come back, I just don’t know when.
WLB: So you’re into writing scripts, which creates another strong bond between you and the world of movies. From an artist’s point of view, what is the most amazing thing about films?
Sebastian Koch: For me, movies are miracles capable of showing life as it really is.
Photo: Spokeo, Best Hollywood
