Actresses have fun with remake of horror flick ‘Suspiria’
VENICE — “Suspiria,” a remake of an influential Italian horror film from the ’70s, presented a remarkable female cast for its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival yesterday. Tilda Swinton (in two roles), Chloe Grace Moretz, Dakota Johnson, Mia Goth and — from the original Dario Argento classic — Jessica Harper spoke before the red carpet gala.
Swinton stars as the leader of an all-female Berlin dance troupe in 1977 that is actually a front for a coven. She is unrecognizable in a stunning dual turn as the elderly psychologist Dr. Klemperer who considers witches merely a delusion. The Oscar winner is taking the position that that role is really played by an actor named “Lutz Ebersdorf,” as “he” is listed in the credits.
A serious Swinton began the press conference by reading a wry statement from Lutz that began, “I’m very sorry not to meet you in person. To quote Dr. Klemperer, the illusion of my colleagues is not mine.”
Harper commented, “I loved working with Lutz Ebersdorf, an incredible acting partner. He has an incredible gift for evoking great moments in film. I knew that’s how it would go down for me and it did.”
Of “Suspiria” director Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me By Your Name,” “I Am Love”), the women were unanimous in their praise.
“I have a small part in the film but this was an incredible opportunity to have everything on the table,” Moretz said. “It was never no, it was yes and more. He loves you overcoming your fears as an actor and I think we explored the torment of the soul.”
“This was my second time working with Luca,” said Johnson, who also worked with him in “A Bigger Splash.” “I felt I had a foundation of ease and safety. We know each other very well at this point and I feel I can do anything when I’m in his hands.
“Because the film is about things I love so much — the obvious things like witches and dancers and magic — and I grew up fascinated by groups of women. They were mysterious and magical. To have this with this person I love so much was perfect. Truly a dream come true project for me.”
The British Goth recalled that, “As soon as I landed in Italy I felt instantly welcome. One of the things I found, it reminded me what I’d imagine being on set would be with (Stanley) Kubrick or (Federico) Fellini. He pushes you even when you have doubts within yourself. That’s incredibly fulfilling.”