Felix Randau Praises Claes Bang's Portrayal of Himmler's Masseur

German director Felix Randau has revealed his casting choices for the post-World War Two drama "I Is Another," which premiered at the Locarno Film Festival. The film stars Claes Bang in the role of Felix Kersten, the real-life massage therapist to SS founder Heinrich Himmler. Randau specifically praised Bang's suitability for the complex character, stating in an interview that "If Claes tells you a lie, you want to believe him." This sentiment underscores the director's view of Bang's compelling on-screen presence and his ability to imbue the character with a persuasive, albeit potentially deceptive, aura.

Felix Kersten, a Dutch-German masseur, gained notoriety for his therapeutic relationship with Heinrich Himmler, a key architect of the Holocaust. In his memoirs, Kersten detailed how he leveraged his access to Himmler to exert influence, reportedly intervening to halt certain atrocities, including a planned mass deportation of Dutch Jews. The historical accounts suggest Kersten's methods involved a delicate balance of professional service and subtle manipulation, using his unique position to advocate for humanitarian causes amidst the brutal Nazi regime. The film "I Is Another" delves into this controversial historical figure and his intricate relationship with one of history's most reviled individuals.

Randau's selection of Claes Bang, a Danish actor known for his roles in "The Square" and "Dracula," suggests a deliberate effort to cast an actor capable of portraying the nuanced and morally ambiguous nature of Felix Kersten. The director's comment about Bang's ability to make lies believable points to a performance that likely navigates the fine line between genuine humanitarian efforts and the inherent compromises made by collaborating, even indirectly, with a regime responsible for genocide. The film aims to explore the psychological complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by Kersten, a man who wielded a peculiar form of power through his intimate professional connection with Himmler.

The Locarno Film Festival, a prestigious event in the international film calendar, provides a significant platform for "I Is Another" to reach a global audience. The festival, held annually in Locarno, Switzerland, is known for showcasing a diverse range of independent and art-house cinema. Randau's participation in the Piazza Grande, the festival's main outdoor screening venue, indicates the film's potential to generate considerable buzz and critical attention. The director's insights into his casting decisions and the character's portrayal offer a glimpse into the thematic concerns and artistic intentions behind "I Is Another," positioning it as a film that grapples with difficult historical truths and the complexities of human morality.