Daniel Brühl plays Karl Lagerfeld: ‘He was also a lonely man’
Actor Daniel Brühl is trying to capture the essence of the person he is portraying in the French drama series Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, based on the book Kaiser Karl by Raphaëlle Bacqué. The series focuses on Lagerfeld in the 1970s, when he was the head designer for fashion house Chloé, trying to make a name for himself.
During a video call with a group of journalists, the 45-year-old Brühl, known for his roles in Good Bye, Lenin and Inglourious Basterds, shared that he initially found the idea of playing Lagerfeld absurd. However, he was drawn to the character – a German boy conquering Paris and the world. As Brühl delved into the role, he discovered the fascinating and complex life of Lagerfeld, presenting him with a great challenge outside his comfort zone.
Brühl emphasized the allure of portraying Lagerfeld in a French production, as Lagerfeld himself had a deep connection to French culture. The series depicts Lagerfeld’s life before his iconic tenure at Chanel, showcasing his rise as a prominent figure in the fashion world. A significant part of the story focuses on Lagerfeld’s rivalry with Yves Saint Laurent and his relationship with Jacques de Bascher.
While Lagerfeld later became a fashion icon with a distinct persona, the series explores his formative years when he was still searching for his identity. Brühl describes the process of humanizing Lagerfeld, piecing together the contradictions in his character from various biographies and interviews.
The portrayal of Lagerfeld’s loneliness and inner struggles adds depth to the character, shedding light on his complex relationships and personal insecurities. Brühl reflects on the challenges of capturing Lagerfeld’s essence, showing glimpses of vulnerability beneath the facade of a confident and enigmatic figure.
As the series delves deeper into Lagerfeld’s life, viewers are exposed to his darker aspects and manipulative tendencies. Brühl hints at the possibility of a second season to explore Lagerfeld’s later years and the evolution of his persona.
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld is now available on Disney+, offering a compelling insight into the life of the enigmatic fashion designer.