from
Johanna Adorjan
Gérard Depardieu is in town and Berlin is at its worst. A dark gray morning, rain and flu viruses are in the air. The interview takes place in the suite of a five-star hotel, the elegance of which is marred by the fact that the windows overlook a huge construction site. It’s freezing in the room because Depardieu’s penchant for the occasional cigarette mixes uneasily with the fact that the smoke detectors are wired directly to the fire department. Therefore, it is constantly aired. The mood behind the scenes is slightly nervous. You are repeatedly asked to only ask questions about the new film. A colleague had already asked something about Ukraine, and that didn’t end well. And while you’re still wondering what that might mean, everyone stands at attention, the star is approaching. First impression when he comes through the door: He’s not really in the mood for the appointment.