What happens if there is a gigantic power failure across Europe?Moritz Bleibtreu (50) experiences it in the new series "Blackout" (from 14.October 2021 at joyn plus+).Based on Marc Elsberg's millions of bestsellers (54), the six episodes fight with the effects of the blackout.Pierre Manzano (Moritz Bleibtreu), a former hacker and environmental activist, comes into the focus of the investigation under the direction of chief criminal chief Jürgen Hartlandt (Heiner Lauterbach, 68).Who is responsible for the power failure?
In an interview with the news agency Spot on News, Moritz Bleibtreu talks about the challenging filming in the dark and explains how realistic the scenario of the series is.In addition, the actor reveals which film or series projects he is planning, how he has his 50.Birthday has spent and how he is doing the number.
Gigantic power failure throughout Europe: How realistic do you find the scenario of the series?
Moritz Bleibtreu: You don't want to scream anything, but it is not quite unrealistic, it is not a utopia, no science fiction.It is possible, you have seen that several times.In the past, there have been small blackouts several times, for example I think in San Francisco, where someone once made up the light for an hour and a half.Cyber security is certainly one of the most important topics at the moment.
Was it strange for you that the filming partly took place in the dark?
Bleibtreu: In the end it annoyed, it pushed the mood extremely.Especially towards the end it was really just dark.And then together with Lockdown, starting blocks and such - that was a bit oppressive.It was also cold and it was a very physical shoot with races and swimming.I was quite happy when we were through with it.
What could you do the least without electricity?
Bleibtreu: This is a rather superficial question, because when the electricity is gone, it is gone.And then everything is gone and everything is missing.I have also been asked how to prepare for such a situation, with emergency power generators or whether you can hoard candles.You can do.But after five days at the latest, this is completely obsolete, that also shows the series.The only thing that helps in such a situation are friends.
Are there also things in which we should put less on electronics in your opinion?
Bleibtreu: I've always said that from me you can switch off the internet tomorrow.I am still admitted, I would have no problem with it.I would like that.Just let's switch off the internet.
Catastrophic and output blocks - did you feel partly reminded of the pandemic situation when shooting?
Bleibtreu: Of course that was already a bit absurd.But if we are honest, what is happening to us, is such an absurd situation anyway that it is difficult to put it in comparison to something.But of course it is absurd when you go to a film set with a mask and the shooting is that people have nothing to eat because of the blackout.That was already getting used to.But in my situation I couldn't do anything other than with all the strength and love I have to do something that inspires people.
They play hackers and environmental activist Pierre Manzano.What brings the role?
Bleibtreu: Manzano has reached one point in his life where he has lost faith in idealism and change.He had this belief in his youth, at the time he wanted to change the world and actually tried that too.Over the years, these ideals have become ever pale.And at the beginning of the series we find it in a situation in which he has nothing to do with it, a bit incorporated through life.Then the spirits get him back in before and that awakens his idealism.There are not insanely many similarities between him and me.But I know how it is when you have things in life that you don't want to get to.And I think that is also a very universal emotional interface for the viewer.
Another series project is coming up.In "Faking Hitler" they play art counter Konrad Kujau.What is special about the role?
Bleibtreu: It is the history of the Hitler diaries, the story of the star reporter and Konrad Kujau, the encounter of the two, as it came about.I didn't have to think about the role.I love counterfeit stories, I've always liked them.And the man is also a steep template, incredibly personable.Biopics are always such a thing, you also have to enjoy it to really play someone like that.Konrad Kujau naturally brings a lot in his personality.It was great fun to do that.And at the same time, the series does not come to a drama biopic, but dares to deal with the whole story with a wink.And that is good for the whole thing.
What do you appreciate about the production of series and what do you like in contrast to film?
Bleibtreu: I definitely prefer to make films and completed stories.I grew up as an acting child and then series was pretty much the worst thing you could have done as an actor.Simply because it was perceived as a trivial and b people no longer perceive you as an actor.At that time there was always the thing at the "Black Forest Clinic" that people at Dr.Brinkmann called and wanted to be operated on.Because they actually believed: the Wussow, that's the Brinkmann.If you now think of Klausjürgen Wussow, you first see this doctor in front of you.I don't like to play a figure for a year or two, it starts to get bored too.I would like to play a new figure again, I want a new genre, I want it to be funny, sometimes creepy, sometimes exciting.You just have a lot more variety if you do one and a half or two-steminers.Or mini series with six, a maximum of eight episodes, I also like that, that's a cool format.Everything that goes beyond must be very cool that I am interested.By the way, as a recipient, I feel the same way.I like completed stories if it takes too long, my air is quickly out for me.
Are you already planning your next directing or script work according to your directorial debut "Cortex"?Do you also want to be responsible for a series?
Bleibtreu: First of all, I would like to make a film again, then see a look.And as long as you can still make cinema films, I will also try to do it.I know that is not easy - especially as a producer - but I like films and I like cinema.This is of course a matter of taste, there are great series and the whole world looks at it.
You recently have your 50.celebrated birthday.How did you spend the day?
Bleibtreu: celebrated in, gone nicely and then in the circle of loved ones, very relaxed and calm.
How are you doing with the number?
Bleibtreu: good.It's a bit like you have become 18 that you think: I'm really 18, wow.But it's okay.If I now think about how I saw myself at the beginning of 20, I can only say: everything is good and everything on the right track.
A round birthday is often an occasion to take stock.How do you look back on your previous career?What were their biggest heights and lows?
Bleibtreu: For me, there is always too much for me.First of all, there should be complete calm so that you can then take a balance sheet.For me it always sounds like someone who sits at the desk deeply breathes deeply and then he takes stock.But honestly, if I start to draw with 50 records, something is wrong.It's like writing a biography with 25 a biography.(laughs) There are not really heights and lows, it always went on somehow.There were louder years and there were fewer loud years.But it went on and that's the beautiful one too.I never looked after success, that was never a parameter in my role selection.It was always a question that I say to myself that I have something to give and I tell a story that I find exciting.That was better, sometimes it was not considered, but I never had to worry about my work and I find that very lucky.
