Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value’ Explores Life and Art’s Interplay

In a recent gathering at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, acclaimed filmmaker Joachim Trier joined actors Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve to discuss their film Sentimental Value. The trio, seated in a backstage room, turned their backs to a screen showcasing an audience captivated by their work. Despite their initial distance from the film, the emotional weight of the final scene has drawn them back during festival appearances, often leaving them with tears in their eyes.

“The ending always moves me,” Skarsgård shared. “On paper, it really scared me. It could have been sentimental hell, not Sentimental Value. What was important to me was that nothing was resolved. I hate the word closure. There’s no closure in life. But there’s something more beautiful.”

Exploring the Depths of Emotion

Sentimental Value, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, is a profound exploration of life’s complexities. Trier, known for films like Oslo, August 31st and The Worst Person in the World, crafts a narrative that resonates deeply with audiences by capturing the rhythm of everyday life. The film’s emotional power crescendos through subtle interactions, culminating in a poignant exchange of glances that can leave viewers profoundly moved.

Skarsgård portrays the estranged filmmaker Gustav Borg, who reconnects with his daughters Nora (played by Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) following the death of his ex-wife. Nora, a strong-willed character, channels her emotions into performance, while Gustav seeks to cast her in his new autobiographical film, which also attracts the attention of an American starlet, played by Elle Fanning.

Both Reinsve and Skarsgård find personal connections to their roles. Reinsve, who gained recognition for The Worst Person in the World, and Skarsgård, a father of eight with many family members in the acting industry, express that Sentimental Value holds particular significance for them. Their conversation, marked by emotional exchanges and candid reflections, highlights the intricate relationship between life and art.

Art as a Reflection of Life

When asked about writing with them in mind, Trier noted, “The revealing of something in art is what interests us.” Reinsve admitted her apprehension at having Trier, whom she respects deeply, uncover truths about her character. “He’s very smart and very wise, so what he finds is probably the truth,” she said, reflecting on the vulnerability required in acting.

Skarsgård added that the character on the page transformed considerably during filming. “The hard edges of the character were very obvious in the script, but the compassion wasn’t,” he explained. Trier acknowledged that the actors bring depth to their roles, allowing the characters to evolve beyond the script’s initial intentions.

Reinsve described how working with Trier changed her approach to acting. “Before I worked with Joachim, I played a lot of characters that keep their emotions inside and aren’t able to let them out,” she said. “He built that trust because of how he worked and how he sees people.” Trier’s method of whispering encouragement from behind the camera allows actors to tap into their instincts, making the performance feel collaborative.

Skarsgård reflected on the therapeutic nature of acting, stating, “I’ve always seen acting as a way of being able to do what you can’t do in your private life.” Reinsve echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the playful exploration of emotions that acting offers, likening it to children mimicking adults. “We’re still children mimicking the adults,” she remarked.

Trier’s films are celebrated for their ability to breathe and allow for time, an aspect that resonates in the ending of Sentimental Value. “That was when I knew I had the film I wanted to make, when I had the idea of ending,” he said, expressing pride in his collaborators.

Sentimental Value is now screening in select cinemas nationwide, inviting audiences to experience the intricate dance between life and art that Trier so masterfully portrays.