Welt am Sonntag
2 June, 2002
By Antje Wewer
Translated by Beate

On set in Munich: During the last two weeks the German-American co-production "Luther" was being filmed at the Bavaria Filmstudios. English actor Joseph Fiennes ("Shakespeare in Love") plays German reformer Martin Luther. Welt am Sonntag met Fiennes - in grey sweater with a hood over the monk's habit - during a short film break.

Mr. Fiennes, have you ever had a bible in your hands before you took the role of Martin Luther?

Oh but yes. Though I am not belonging to any religion, I know the bible fairly well. Theology isn't exactly a hobby of mine, but I've always had a passion for spiritual things.

Where did you get the huge ink spot on your right hand?

Oh, we just shot the scene where Luther fights with the devil in the Augustiner monastery and throws an ink pot at him.

You are known from costume films like "Elizabeth" and as Shakespeare in love. Aren't you too handsome for the rather country-style Martin Luther?

Oh well, I am playing the young Luther, where he looked handsome enough. And handsome, not bloody likely. For the scenes as Franziscan monk I actually had to shave a tonsure.

And that's how you were enjoying the Munich nightlife?

I didn't have a choice. I celebrated my 32nd birthday last Sunday, and I didn't want to spend it in my hotel room. Apart from that I didn't have much time for sightseeing. My driver had fetched me early in the "Bayrischer Hof", in the dark I was brought back from the Bavaria studios to the hotel.

So you didn't have time to stroll over the Viktualienmarkt?

Yes, I had a few days off before the filming started. Luckily so, as it's my first filming in Germany. By the way, I had some wild ideas about Bavaria.

Where they confirmed?

Frankly, it's even more beautiful than I thought it was. The best is the Bavarian air. It's a pity that we have to move on to Czechia today.