Stellan Skarsgård candidly discussed his experiences collaborating with the legendary Ingmar Bergman during the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. His reflections delve deep into the complexities of their working relationship, illuminating the nuances that can exist between a director and actor in the film industry.

Skarsgård expressed, “My complicated relationship with Bergman stems from the fact that he wasn’t a particularly good person. While he was an enjoyable director to work with, it’s entirely possible to respect someone’s artistic vision while still recognizing their flaws. For instance, even artists like Caravaggio, who had a notorious reputation, contributed significantly to the art world.” The Swedish actor’s insights reveal how personal character can sometimes overshadow professional accomplishments.

He elaborated, “Bergman had a manipulative side. His history is troubling, as he was a Nazi during the war, and I remember him being one of the few who shed tears when Hitler died. We often found excuses for his behavior, but I can’t shake the feeling that he had a very peculiar perspective on others, believing some individuals simply weren’t worthy. You could sense when he was using manipulation; his moral compass was not aligned.” [He thought]

During the festival, Skarsgård presented his latest film, “Sentimental Value,” and received the prestigious Crystal Globe Award. He also shared his admiration for Joachim Trier and discussed his latest project, highlighting the evolution of his work and how each film reflects his growing expertise as a director.

“I’ve observed how Trier genuinely sees the actors with whom he collaborates. Each film he creates reveals his increasing skill level, and there’s a playful generosity in his approach that is truly refreshing,” Skarsgård remarked, emphasizing the importance of a director’s connection with their cast.

In the narrative of “Sentimental Value,” the plot revolves around two sisters who reconnect with their estranged father, Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers one of them a role in his comeback film, framing a complex emotional landscape that challenges familial bonds and personal aspirations.

“This character represents a father figure who has significant flaws. As I contemplated various directors I’ve encountered, I reminded myself not to project those experiences onto my own life. I’m an artist, and there are times I excel as a father and times I falter. We all have imperfections. It’s entirely possible to be a decent parent without being perfect, and children might still level accusations against you regardless,” he reflected on the intricacies of personal and professional life.

Having received the Grand Prix at Cannes, “Sentimental Value” has emerged as a strong contender for the Academy Awards, highlighting its artistic merit and audience resonance.

“I’m well aware of how fleeting fame can be in this industry; it’s a transient experience that can vanish as quickly as it arrives. Yet, I find joy in surprising myself and my capabilities. It’s an exhilarating feeling to astonish myself, especially considering the inevitability of my mortality. Therefore, I strive to cherish each moment that remains,” Skarsgård shared candidly, revealing his philosophical outlook on life and career.

During a masterclass, he fondly reminisced about the standout films of his career, marking the humble yet joyful beginnings that included a significant role opposite Juliette Binoche in “The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” where she portrayed the enduring partner of the unfaithful Tomas, played by Daniel Day-Lewis.

However, it was his performance in Lars von Trier’s “Breaking the Waves” that truly catapulted him to international recognition. The film tells a harrowing tale of a woman who resorts to prostitution after her husband is paralyzed, giving audiences a raw portrayal of love and sacrifice. Interestingly, Helena Bonham Carter was initially considered for the role that ultimately went to Emily Watson.

“I had seen Lars’ earlier films, and while they were strikingly cold, they didn’t resonate with me emotionally. Lars recognized this himself, which is why he pioneered the Dogme 95 movement. He stripped away his conventional filmmaking tools. Upon reading the script for ‘Breaking the Waves,’ I exclaimed, ‘Oh my God, finally a love story that deeply resonates with my understanding of love and its purity,’” he noted, emphasizing the film’s emotional depth.

“Lars was intensely shy. He once confessed, ‘I don’t enjoy physical contact,’ yet I instinctively hugged him. After that moment, he seemed to return to his normal self. This gesture marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I advised Helena Bonham Carter, ‘If you’re smart, you’ll take this role.’ However, she ultimately declined, reluctant to portray a nude character alongside an unfamiliar Danish director and a Swedish actor she didn’t know. Later at Cannes, I encountered her, and with a knowing look, she admitted, ‘I understand! I KNOW!’” he recalled with a smile.

Later, he joined forces with Trier again for “Dancer in the Dark,” featuring Björk as a factory worker battling a degenerative eye condition. Skarsgård noted the tumultuous relationship between the director and Björk, which significantly affected the film’s production.

“I had a tight schedule, and my role was quite small, but Lars faced considerable challenges. Björk and he had a tumultuous relationship, each being strong-willed individuals accustomed to getting their way. When I finally arrived on set, the producer was in tears, which indicated that something was very wrong,” he recounted, giving insight into the film’s behind-the-scenes drama.

“I don’t believe they harbored hatred towards one another—at least Lars didn’t. But it was evident they simply couldn’t get along,” he added, providing a nuanced understanding of their professional dynamic.

Skarsgård’s collaborations with von Trier continued with projects like “Dogville” and “Melancholia,” the latter of which featured his son, Alexander Skarsgård.

“I had previously worked with Lars when Alexander was just seven years old, along with my other son, Gustav. People often request that we collaborate on projects together—well, show me something interesting! They rarely present us with anything beyond a mere marketing strategy,” he humorously reflected on the expectations placed upon his acting family.

“Melancholia” faced its share of controversy during a Cannes press conference, which turned disastrous for von Trier, rendering him persona non grata at the festival for a time.

“Everyone present in that room knew he was not a Nazi; he was, in fact, quite the opposite. Yet, the headlines spun a different tale. Many who only skimmed the headlines mistakenly believed he was a Nazi. He merely made a poor joke. Lars was raised by a Jewish father, and upon his mother’s deathbed, she revealed that his biological father was actually her boss, a German,” Skarsgård clarified, shedding light on the complexities of public perception versus reality.

“When I interact with people, especially in the U.S., they still have misconceptions about Lars. You have an array of taboo phrases in your culture. My children, on the other hand, can express themselves freely; it’s about the intention behind their words,” he remarked, highlighting the cultural differences in communication.

He lauded von Trier for crafting compelling female roles, even in his controversial film “Nymphomaniac,” emphasizing the depth of characters he creates.

“He is not a misogynist; rather, his works reflect his own experiences through the lens of female characters,” Skarsgård asserted, defending his friend’s artistic choices.

He concluded, “I hold a deep affection for Lars and his work, which doesn’t mean I agree with everything he does. Just like in any relationship, you might not agree with every choice your spouse makes. I recall a call from him where he said, ‘My next film is going to be a porno. I replied, ‘Alright, Lars.’ He added, ‘And I want you to play the lead role, but we won’t reveal your genitals until the very end. And it will be very floppy.’” His humorous recounting illustrates the unique friendship they share.

Skarsgård embarked on his career as a child star in the popular show “Bombi Bitt och jag,” describing it as akin to a Swedish version of Huckleberry Finn, centered around a free-spirited child. “My younger brother submitted applications for both of us, and I ended up landing the role. I think he was quite frustrated by it. Everyone noticed it, including 14-year-old girls, which turned out to be a positive for me,” he reminisced about his early fame.

Throughout his career, Skarsgård has taken on diverse roles in iconic films like Good Will Hunting, Amistad directed by Steven Spielberg, and Insomnia, which was later remade by Christopher Nolan. His ventures into blockbuster territory included Pirates of the Caribbean, where he humorously recalled, “Gore Verbinski drenched me with buckets of water, and he found great amusement in it,” along with numerous roles in Marvel movies and the beloved musical “Mamma Mia!”

“We were among the few males in the cast, often seen as the bimbos in the production. Lacking any significant background or depth, we were just cute and silly. It was enlightening to finally comprehend what women typically experience in the industry,” he laughed, illustrating the unique challenges faced by actors regardless of gender.

He also took on the role of the ultimate villain, Baron Harkonnen, in the much-acclaimed Dune.

“It’s crucial to understand the type of film you are involved in and what is expected of you as an actor. In a large Hollywood production where you’re cast as the antagonist, sometimes all you need to do is embrace the role of the villain, as seen in ‘Dune,’” he explained, sharing insights into his approach to character development. Recently, he was featured in the Disney+ series “Andor,” further showcasing his versatility as an actor.

“Fortunately, I managed to avoid a stroke before delivering that major monologue,” he joked, referring to his ongoing health challenges. “I’m not entirely back to normal, which is frustrating; I struggle to recall my lines and had a prompter in my ear,” he admitted, revealing the personal hurdles he continues to navigate in his acting career.

Despite these obstacles, he remains determined to continue his journey in the film industry.

“Is there something I’d still love to explore? Absolutely. However, I’m uncertain about what that might be,” he concluded, leaving the door open for future opportunities and projects that may come his way.