El Periódico de Catalunya
March 2001, Paz Mata / Los Angeles
Translated by Luciana

Joseph Fiennes plays a political commissary in "Enemy at the Gates", a film about the siege of Stalingrad

Place of Birth: Salisbury (United Kingdom)
Age: 30
Profession: Actor, alternates movies and theatre
Most famous movies: 'Stealing Beauty', 'Martha - Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence', 'Elizabeth' and 'Shakespeare in Love'

He jumped into fame playing the Earl of Leicester, Queen Elizabeth I's favourite in "Elizabeth", and later playing William Shakespeare in "Shakespeare in Love". Joseph Fiennes, who doesn't like comparisons with his famous brother (Ralph Fiennes), turned down several offers from Hollywood. Now, in order to play "Edward II" on stage, he turned down a delicious offer (200 million pesetas) to play "The Pianist", by Roman Polanski.

This weekend sees the release of one of his latest movies, the epic drama "Enemy at the Gates". In this movie, Fiennes plays a political officer from the Communist Party during the battle for Stalingrad, whose propagandist writings get to turn a snipper (Jude Law) into a national hero.

What did you do to give life to a communist political officer?

What helped me the most was reading "Life and Faith" by the Russian writer Vassilov Grossman. It is a novel, very similar to those by Tolstoy, which tells the facts about the battle for Stalingrad with accuracy. Another book that helped me a lot was "Stalingrad", by Anthony Beaver, one of the first to obtain information about the siege of the city with accounts from the people, the communist ideology and what being Russian meant at that time.

What did you know about the battle for Stalingrad before shooting the movie?

All I knew was that it had been crucial to defeat the nazis. This movie has made me more aware of the horrors of war and the extreme conditions in which lived these young people being recruited to the battlefields without having ever seen a weapon in their lives.

When it is time to fight, what is stronger, the pen or the sword?

This dilemma is what fascinated the most with Danilov, my character. With his pen, he creates a hero. Behind his desk, he describes how to win a battle, when in fact he hasn't been to any, nor does he know the fear that one experiences in the front, or what one feels when killing another person. Danilov is like a puppet artist. The more success he gets, the more he wants to continue his work. Until he realises that he is manipulating other people to make them fight for the motherland.

Speaking of manipulation, how do you avoid it in Hollywood?

After "Shakespeare in Love" they offered me many things there, but I decided to go back to the theatre, in London, to relax from the pressure. However, I have to recognise that a success like that movie had gives you a great protection, and I'm also aware of the power of manipulation from Hollywood: they can make heroes of clay.

How do you live with fame?

After "Shakespeare in Love", I wanted to get away from any publicity. I was too naďf when I thought that my work spoke for itself and that I didn't need any other help. I like to talk about my passion for acting, but not about my political beliefs or my private life. But the less you talk about it, the more people want to know. It is very difficult to find a balance.

After this movie, what would you say if you were called a patriot?

I am not a patriot nor a nationalist because both words cause unnecessary conflicts. I feel I am an European citizen who has the privilege of living in England, with such a rich and diverse culture.

I hear you study the Buddhist philosophy...

Yes, I enjoy studying philosophy. If there is a voice other than the dogmas, it is Krishnamurti's voice. I have a great respect and admiration for him. I have also studied Tibetan Buddhism, but only out of curiosity and to get information. I do not follow or practise any religion, philosophy or dogma.