Stellan Skarsgård on Acting: “It is Like Being a Child… You Never Grow Up”

**Excerpt:** In a recent interview, actor Stellan Skarsgård shares insights on his career and the essence of acting, comparing it to the playful nature of childhood.

Key Points:

– Stellan Skarsgård reflects on his extensive acting career spanning over 150 films.
– He discusses his recent role in the film “Sentimental Value,” where he plays a father reconciling with his daughters.
– Skarsgård emphasizes the importance of expression in acting over dialogue.
– He shares his experience of balancing family life with his career as a father of eight.
– The actor believes that acting allows for a child-like sense of playfulness throughout life.

Stellan Skarsgård’s Perspective on Acting

Stellan Skarsgård, an acclaimed actor known for his work in both Hollywood and European cinema, recently shared his thoughts on the nature of acting. Known for roles in films like “The Hunt for Red October” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” Skarsgård maintains a modest view of his fame, humorously noting, “Sweden is a small country!”

A Lifelong Passion

During an interview in Stockholm, Skarsgård reflected on his career, which began at age 16 with a Swedish television show. Now at 74, he continues to embrace acting with enthusiasm, recently starring in the Norwegian film “Sentimental Value.” In this film, he portrays a filmmaker seeking to mend relationships with his estranged daughters.

“I’ve tried to get into projects where I enjoy myself and have a fun time. And that’s why I’m not bored,” Skarsgård said. He remarked on the sheer volume of his filmography, quipping that some of his roles are quite short.

Expression Over Dialogue

Skarsgård’s performance in “Sentimental Value” has garnered critical acclaim, earning him a Golden Globe. He expressed his appreciation for moments in cinema that rely heavily on visual storytelling rather than dialogue. “Movies, real movies are not literature. Cinema to me is what happens in the image,” he explained.

Balancing Family and Career

As a father of eight, all of whom have pursued careers in the film industry, Skarsgård acknowledged the challenge of balancing family life with a demanding career. “You can’t be a perfect father always. I mean, you gotta accept… I’m flawed,” he stated. Skarsgård noted that despite the complexities, his children have learned from his passion and dedication to acting.

The Playful Nature of Acting

Skarsgård believes that acting allows individuals to maintain a child-like spirit. “It is like being a child… you never grow up,” he shared, highlighting the joy of creativity and imagination in performance. He likened acting to a game, emphasizing that this playful aspect should never be lost, even in adulthood.

In conclusion, Stellan Skarsgård’s reflections on his career and the art of acting reveal a deep appreciation for the craft and the joy it brings, akin to the innocence of childhood.