Stellan Skarsgård doesn’t believe in bad guys - Fresh Air Recap

Podcast: Fresh Air

Published: 2026-02-25

Duration: 46 min

Summary

Stellan Skarsgård discusses his career, the challenges of parenting as an actor, and his unique approach to acting post-stroke. He emphasizes the complexity of human characters and the importance of nuance in performance.

What Happened

In this episode, host Dave Davies welcomes Stellan Skarsgård, the acclaimed Swedish actor whose recent performances have garnered significant recognition, including a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for his role in the film 'Sentimental Value.' Skarsgård reflects on the challenges he faced after suffering a stroke four years ago, which made memorizing lines difficult. He shares how he adapted to these challenges, finding a workaround that allowed him to continue acting in projects like 'Dune' and 'Andor.' Despite the struggles, he remains passionate about his craft and the depth of human emotion in storytelling.

The conversation turns to his character in 'Sentimental Value,' Gustav Borg, a director struggling with familial relationships. Skarsgård reveals that he initially did not see parallels between himself and the character, but upon reflection from his son, he acknowledged the complexities of being a parent and how each of his eight children has different needs. He stresses the nuanced nature of human beings, stating, "I don't believe in bad guys," and emphasizes that characters, even in conflict, should reflect real human flaws and emotions.

Skarsgård also discusses the unique directing style of Joachim Trier, highlighting how the film's pacing and the focus on listening rather than just dialogue contribute to its richness. He notes the importance of rhythm in acting and how he has had to adapt his approach post-stroke, using a prompter to assist with lines while maintaining the scene's rhythm. His insights into acting and family life provide a deeper understanding of the artist's journey and the intricate balance between personal and professional commitments.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What is Stellan Skarsgård's role in Sentimental Value?

In 'Sentimental Value,' Skarsgård plays Gustav Borg, a renowned director whose strained relationship with his daughter forms a central conflict in the film. The daughter, an actress, expresses anger towards him for not being present during her upbringing, reflecting the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. This dynamic resonates with Skarsgård's own experiences as a father of eight, although he initially claims he did not directly relate to the character.

How did Stellan Skarsgård adapt to his stroke?

After suffering a mild stroke in 2022, Skarsgård faced significant challenges in memorizing lines, which had been a staple of his acting process. He described how he typically found it difficult to learn lines unless they resonated with his feelings, but post-stroke, he found he could not retain lines at all. In response, he reached out to the creators of 'Andor' and 'Dune 2,' who reassured him and allowed him to use a prompter and earpiece to aid his performances.

What does Skarsgård say about the nature of 'bad guys' in film?

Skarsgård rejects the notion of portraying characters as purely 'bad guys,' arguing that real human beings are nuanced and flawed. He believes that every character has a range of emotions and complexities, which makes them relatable. This perspective allows for richer storytelling and a more profound understanding of characters, as seen in his role in 'Sentimental Value'.

How does Joachim Trier influence Skarsgård's acting?

Skarsgård credits director Joachim Trier with a unique approach to filmmaking, particularly in how he emphasizes the importance of silence and the act of listening in performances. Trier's technique allows actors to convey emotional depth beyond mere dialogue, capturing the subtleties that exist 'between the lines.' Skarsgård appreciates this style, noting that it enriches the narrative and character interactions.

What personal reflections does Skarsgård share about fatherhood?

Throughout the interview, Skarsgård reflects on his role as a father, acknowledging the difficulties of being both an artist and a parent. He recognizes that each of his eight children has distinct needs, which complicates the parenting dynamic. Despite his efforts to be present, he admits that it’s impossible to get it right for each child, a realization that deepened after his son pointed out the parallels between his life and his character in 'Sentimental Value.'