Mystery over Swinton’s missing main man
Tilda Swinton is instantly recognisable to most film fans. But the actress may be harder to spot in her latest movie, Suspiria, as she reportedly plays an old man. Swinton, pictured with her co-star Dakota Johnson at the Venice Biennale, claimed an unknown actor was in fact cast in the part – though he was nowhere to be seen yesterday
SHE is among Hollywood’s most wellknown mavericks. And now rumours abound that Tilda Swinton’s latest venture involves the creation of a new alter-ego – an 82-year-old German psychoanalyst.
Swinton, 57, stars in the new horror film Suspiria, a remake of Dario Argento’s 1977 work set in a German ballet school.
Her co-star, in the role of Dr Jozef Klemperer, is said to be octogenarian film debutant called Lutz Ebersdorf, who also works as an analyst.
But observers have speculated that Ebersdorf, far from being an elderly German, is Swinton in disguise.
Images from the set purport to show Swinton in prosthetic make-up, looking unlike her credited role in the film, dance instructor Madame Blanc.
Opening the press conference about the film at the Venice Biennale festival yesterday, the actress read out a letter apparently from Ebersdorf, who did not attend the event.
“I am a private individual who prefers to remain private,” the letter read. “Though I strongly suspect Suspiria will be the only film I ever appear in, I like the work, and I do not mind getting up very early.”
Asked why she had decided to play two roles, a poker-faced Swinton replied: “What two roles? Dr Klemperer is played by Lutz Ebersdorf, who sent a message which I read just now.”
Director Luca Guadignino has previously backed the actress’s claims, saying: “They made a picture of my actor Lutz Ebersdorf and they claimed it was Tilda in make-up.”
The drama raises the possibility of a non-existent actor being nominated for awards. Swinton welcomed the possibility of an Oscar for her co-star.
“For Lutz Ebersdorf? I hope,” she said.