In Joachim Trier’s latest film, Sentimental Value, Elle Fanning Sentimental Value interview reveals the complexities of collaboration between actors and filmmakers. The film, which recently began showing in U.S. theaters, places Fanning’s Rachel Kemp—a driven American actress—alongside acclaimed director Gustav Borg, played by Stellan Skarsgård, as they navigate a multilayered relationship both onscreen and off.
When Gustav’s estranged daughter Nora (portrayed by Renate Reinsve) refuses to take a role inspired by Gustav’s late mother, he turns to Rachel, sparking an exploration of art, identity, and the blurred lines between personal history and creative expression.
Finding Vulnerability and Letting Go on Set
During a conversation after the film’s premiere, Fanning and Skarsgård discussed how their director Joachim Trier fostered an atmosphere where actors could abandon pre-planned ideas and respond authentically to each other’s performances. As Fanning explained, being surrounded by accomplished actors required her to remain completely present, ready to embrace spontaneity throughout the filming process.
Don’t aim for anything. Just let go.
—Attributed to Stellan Skarsgård, as recalled by Emily Watson
Fanning echoed this philosophy, emphasizing the importance of setting aside preconceived expectations and finding surprise in each take, thanks to Trier’s supportive directing style. The environment on set, according to Fanning, encouraged vulnerability not only during the so-called “jazz takes” but throughout every step of production. Skarsgård, the originator of the advice, playfully added that he does his best to heed his own counsel.
Navigating Transparency and Trust Between Actor and Director
The relationship between actors and directors, especially around transparency and honesty, emerged as a critical topic in their discussion. Skarsgård pointed out that he does not require exhaustive transparency from directors. Instead, he values honesty and resists manipulation, preferring that directors create a fertile environment for creativity rather than dictate every detail. He maintained that the director should control the broader vision, yet provide actors with freedom to interpret their roles.
Fanning, meanwhile, described her method as non-analytical, preferring to build a personal connection with the director during rehearsals. For her, rehearsals are about exchanging stories and building rapport, avoiding excessive repetition that can drain the spontaneity from a scene. Joachim Trier’s proximity—often standing right beside the camera—helped foster this close working relationship, making each moment on screen feel genuine and observed.
No, you say it like this!
—Attributed to directors giving excessive instructions, according to Skarsgård
Both actors agreed that limited, open-ended guidance is often most productive, reserving space for unexpected discoveries and personal growth during takes.
The Challenge of Understanding Characters
The actors addressed the common misconception that film characters can or should be fully resolved or understood. Skarsgård argued against simplifying human experience in film, explaining that some of the most compelling aspects of art are those that resist clear explanations—much like a piece of evocative music or painting. He noted the importance of embracing the “mystery” in both characters and the process itself.
When asked if they revisit their past work, Skarsgård revealed that he avoids watching his own performances, unable to connect emotionally when viewing himself on screen. Fanning related, describing her experience of watching younger performances as akin to flipping through a scrapbook, more focused on memories from her own life than the character’s journey.
I had a crush on that boy,
—Elle Fanning, reflecting on her memories during past work
Oh, that’s what she was going through!
—Elle Fanning, about her younger self
The two actors also bonded over their shared experiences as child actors, finding mutual understanding in their careers’ early starts.
Do Actors Need To Relate Personally To The Roles They Play?
An important thread in the Elle Fanning Sentimental Value interview centered on whether actors must see themselves in their roles. Rachel, Fanning’s character, at one point expresses that a role
“just doesn’t have anything to do with me.”
Fanning clarified that, while acting is fundamentally about make-believe and living out experiences far from her own, she does not require a direct personal connection to every part she plays. Skarsgård agreed, using his performance as Baron Harkonnen in Dune as an example of playing a role utterly unconnected to his own life.
just doesn’t have anything to do with me.
—Elle Fanning, as Rachel Kemp
Balancing Fact and Imagination with Real-Life-Inspired Characters
A prominent element of Sentimental Value is the way its characters, like Gustav and Nora, grapple with understanding Gustav’s enigmatic mother. The film draws a contrast between different approaches—using archival research versus relying on artistic imagination. Skarsgård suggested that playing historical or real-world figures should still come from a place of subjectivity, guided by the director’s passion for a particular facet of the person, and should avoid turning real lives into dry, factual reenactments. Fanning agreed but added that scripts serve as their guiding text, while sometimes mimicking a real person’s distinct mannerisms can be an enjoyable challenge.
Finding Humor Without Losing Sincerity
Sentimental Value, at times, pokes gentle fun at the world of show business without undercutting the emotional gravity of the story. Fanning drew from her extensive experience attending press events to accurately portray the comic aspects of these situations, explaining how they found humor in the authentic details. Skarsgård described these moments as both comic relief and a reminder that the comedic and tragic elements of performance are often interwoven.
Casting Choices and Character Insight
Director Joachim Trier’s selection of Cory Michael Smith and Catherine Cohen to depict Rachel’s agent and publicist added another layer of authenticity and satire to the film. Fanning recounted her agents’ laughter during the Cannes screening, noting the accuracy and affectionate nature of these portrayals. The dynamic between Rachel and her support team offered further opportunity for Fanning to express the quirks and realities of working in the film industry.
Lessons from the Director-Actor Relationship
A director acts in front of the actor, shows them the effect of the actors acting—which is what an audience does too.
—Georgij Paro, Croatian director
Discussing the deeper lessons learned from working with Trier, Fanning acknowledged that the experience set a new high bar for her expectations of future directors. She praised the extraordinary on-set atmosphere he cultivated and expressed hope to work with more directors who share his qualities. Skarsgård, in turn, stressed the importance of feeding off the subtle cues given by co-actors, seeing each expression as an invitation to deepen his own performance.
The Enduring Power of Collaborative Artistry
Through their Elle Fanning Sentimental Value interview, both Fanning and Skarsgård highlighted the enduring complexity and emotional ambiguity at the heart of acting. Their approach, shaped by Trier’s direction and their own philosophies, rejects easy answers in favor of curiosity, openness, and mutual respect—qualities that allow the film to resonate with audiences seeking honesty and depth. As Sentimental Value continues its theatrical run, it serves as a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration between skilled actors, visionary directors, and layered storytelling.
