Renowned actress Iris Berben, at 74 years old, continues to captivate audiences with her performances. Most recently, she plays the character Dorothea in the upcoming comedy film "Der Spitzname," which hits theaters on December 19. The film is the latest installment from director Sönke Wortmann and follows previous installments "Der Vorname" and "Der Nachname." Berben, who is often reluctant to draw parallels between herself and her roles, has noted some significant similarities between her persona and the matriarch she portrays.
"Ich komme aus einer Generation, die auch stark für sich eingestanden ist. Wir sind für Vieles auf die Straße gegangen: für das Recht auf Abtreibung, für die Selbstbestimmung der Frau, für die Abschaffung des Paragraphen 175, der legitimierte, schwule und bisexuelle Männer strafrechtlich zu verfolgen," Berben explained, highlighting her historical activism. This foundation of her beliefs informs her character’s stances on gender-sensitive language, making the viewing experience thought-provoking beyond mere laughs.
Berben's character, Dorothea, surprisingly aligns with her granddaughter on the necessity of inclusive language, which resonates with Berben’s personal views. "Es ist ganz klar und essenziell, dass sich Sprache verändert. Das hat sie schon immer und das wird sie auch weiterhin tun. Nicht nur Sprache verändert sich, sondern mit ihr auch eine Haltung," she stated, emphasizing how language reflects societal change.
Through the comedic narrative of "Der Spitzname," audiences are encouraged to reflect on the concept of gendering language, using humor to engage with more serious topics. For Berben, language isn't just about words; it's about establishing connection and representation within society. She acknowledges, though, it's not always straightforward. "Ich musste lernen, dass das heute eine Form der Übergriffigkeit darstellt," she shared, recalling her past approach to conversations with individuals from different cultures. What was once considered friendly curiosity can sometimes now be construed as intrusive.
Despite her advocacy for inclusivity, Berben has expressed concerns over the rise of 'Cancel Culture.’ "Ich sehe eine enorme Gefahr in dieser sogenannten 'Cancel Culture'... weil es genau das Gegenteil von dem meint, was wir doch eigentlich wollen: uns Menschen näher zusammenzubringen," she shared. By 'canceling' people for their perceived missteps, it potentially alienates the very individuals one might aim to educate and engage.
Berben urges society to approach discussions with patience and openness. "Wir müssen nicht die Leute erreichen, die nicht korrekt gendern, sondern die, die die Inhalte nicht verstehen. Die Menschen, für die es nicht selbstverständlich ist, dass jede Lebensform und jede Farbe und jede Religion eine Gesellschaft abbildet," she pointed out. It’s a call for dialogue and mutual respect, stressing the need to understand and empathize with differing perspectives.
The film brings together notable actors such as Florian David Fitz, Christoph Maria Herbst, and Janina Uhse, enhancing the narrative’s depth by showcasing intergenerational conflicts around gender perspectives. The relationship dynamics explored not only illuminate the humor within family dysfunction but also serve as fertile ground for discussions about modern societal issues.
The interplay of humor and advocacy reflected through Berben's character and experiences speaks volumes about how comedy can serve as a medium for addressing complex topics like gender. While the laughter is ever-present, the message remains clear: the evolution of language is necessary for fostering inclusivity and acceptance.
With the premiere of "Der Spitzname," Berben hopes audiences leave the theater not just entertained but moved to reflect on their own vocabularies and the broader impact of their words. The actress’s commitment to these discussions continues to inspire, aiming to make the world just a little bit more open-minded, one dialogue at a time.
