Many thanks to Süddeutsche Zeitung for posting the link!
Paul Katzenberger interviewed Keanu Reeves for Süddeutsche.de. The entire interview focuses on Threesome – A NIght in New York (generation Um) and reveals a bit more about the film. No copyright infringement is intended with this translation.
“In the End All Three Are Heros”
by Paul KatzKeanu Reeves is considered a hermit in comparison to other Hollywood stars. His ascetic traits and aura of vulnerability and aloofness make him an actor of choice for roles in cult (indies) cinema. In his new film Threesome – A Night in New York, he stars along with Bojana Novakovic and Adelaide Clemens, in an unusual to see small production – even by his standards. The film was recently released on DVD in Germany prior to its launched in U.S. cinemas. The feature film, which is the debut of director Mark Mann, has received a mixed response in this country (Germany). Reeves explains in this interview what led him to accept the unusual role.
SZ.de: Mr. Reeves, with the Matrix trilogy and films such as “Speed” You have reached a mass audience. With your new movie “Threesome – One night in New York City” will this be more difficult?
KR: Yes, this movie is probably a part of the cinema, which we call “independent cinema”. It is for those who want to see something different than the “Avengers” or other genre films although theyt have their charm, too. This movie has a different type of concern (story, theme).
SZ.de: This concern is not so easy to recognize. It’s about two young women and a slightly older man, and how they live in New York for the day and they are not always happy. That’s more or less been the whole story, at least according to some critics.
KR: The film is indeed unconventional in his (?Mann’s) approach. But I would say that there is a storyline. There is this secret at the start of Threesome. We see how these three people come home in the morning, and we wonder who these people are, where they come from. The film follows the three protagonists, then a day and a night, and we learn about them, and they also learn from each other.
SZ.de: The mystery is resolved in the film, I will not pre-empt here. Only this: Sex, drugs and alcohol play a role, and the three main characters in the film seem to have difficulties to find meaning in life. Is this typical of our time?KR: Yes, I think that the film has a certain universality, especially for living in Western cities. But Threesome points beyond these aspects. All three characters share the desire for trust and intimacy.
SZ.de:John, the character you portray, is the one who establishes the confidence in the group, as he begins to take an interest in the difficult past of the women. Was it this feature of the bridge builder that attracted you to this role?
KR: Yes, when I read the script, I was very touched. When I see the protagonists at the beginning, and compare their situation at the end, for me, it has changed their lives. In the beginning you can feel their despair, and finally they have found an inner connectedness. That would not be possible, if they do not all have to go through what happened on the day and at night. I thought that was pretty heroic.
SZ.de:Those are strong words for a relatively terse end.
KR: It is but something emerged. Keep in mind that when you first see John in his emotional isolation and the difficult history of the women, so by the end the three are real heroes.
SZ.de: I assume that the scene of action with New York was chosen deliberately.
KR: Absolutely. New York City is a destination for many people. It has a past and a special patina. In addition, director Mark Mann has a previous film connection with New York shown by his resume. (I think he may be alluding to Finishing Heaven.)
SZ.de:It also played a role in that New York is often seen as a place of unlimited possibilities?
KR: Not at all. The film is about a human story, and one of the things that makes it unique, is that it takes place in this particular city.
SZ.de:In America, the film bears the curious title of “Generation Um …”. This is reminiscent of “Generation X”, which would fit so well to the content of the film. How did the U.S. title?
KR: It is an invention of the director and not a convenient label. Mark Mann was aware that the title, could be connected (compared?) to “Generation X”. I think it’s a great title. In Germany they have not liked this artistic decision obviously. The film is original and much coarser because it was shot with a Super 16-mm camera. But in Germany they made him clean.(?it’s not clear if they are talking about doing something to the film to affect how it shows or censoring – if anyone who has the German DVD and knows, please leave a comment)
SZ.de:The film is partly still like a home movie. Especially from the point at which John steals a video camera on the street, and is beginning to capture his surroundings.
KR: That’s right. I did all of these shots. The director wanted it. He wanted me to understand more of John by really being John.
SZ.de:This means that you are now a cameraman?
KR: I do not know if I am accepted in the professional association. But it was really fun.
Kudos to Mr. Katz! Clearly he watched the film and prepared for the interview. Hope the interviewers state side do the same.
The interview is here.