Alexander Koneczny
When he took the oranges from the bar, placed there as decoration, nobody payed attention. A lot of people around him knew who he was but he still tried to impress some girls around him by juggling with the fruits. As if that would not be embarrassing enough, the drunken actor lost control of his movements and managed to destroy several glasses at the bar. Reaction? A shrug of his shoulders while turning around, probably heading to the next bar where he can show of his skills in combination with free drinks.
Last Friday (28th May), the high-society of Germany’s film business got together for an event, where the only rule seems to be to see and be seen. The German Film Awards 2017 took place in the Palais in Berlin, honouring the most successful films, directors and actors by handing over the prestigious Lola. Most successful this year was the movie “Toni Erdmann” by Maren Ade, with six Lolas in total.
That was the official part, visible on German television and giving the viewers an impression of just another serious and fancy ceremony. Photographers, journalists and security everywhere, priceless outfits walking across the red carpet and the usual popping of flashbulbs everywhere. But as soon as the cameras are shut down and the after party starts, you realise that even the most serious and polite actors leave their role and show their real face. This moment of insight, seeing some of your favourite actors act like arrogant and snobbish people, getting drunk and think they are the king of the world fulfils every prejudice you had against overpaid young celebrities.
The after party with approximately 2.300 guests took also place in the building of the Palais and the atmosphere was very reserved in the beginning. As the hours passed by and the bars got busier, you could feel how a large number of the people in attendance, very used to acting and playing a role, lost their formal behaviour. The party was a total success and the people continued dancing until dawn.
As a matter of course, the famous fruit juggler was not representative for everyone around. Anyhow an event like this raises the question of identity and authenticity. If it’s already hard to read somebodies face in everyday life, it gets even harder in a hall full of actors, especially when everyone wants to socialize and network with everyone. And a simple “sorry about the broken glass” never hurt anyone.