Interview: Elle Fanning and Stellan Skarsgård on ‘Sentimental Value’ and Acting Within Acting

Within Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, it may initially seem that Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning are starring in their own mini-movie. Skarsgård’s Gustav Borg, an acclaimed director, needs a new actress to headline his latest script after his estranged daughter, Nora (Renate Reinsve), turns him down. Gustav changes course and recasts the role with Elle Fanning’s Rachel Kemp, an American actress eager to dig her teeth into a meaty role.

The collaboration that ensues between Gustav and Rachel illuminates their approaches to their craft. Rachel’s struggles to crack open the character that Gustav casts her to play raise profound questions about the nature of working relationships between actors and directors.