Inside ‘I Is Another’: The Complex Legacy of Felix Kersten, the Nazi SS Leader’s Massage Therapist

German writer-director Felix Randau has unveiled his latest film, I Is Another (Ich Ist ein Anderer), which explores the intricate legacy of Felix Kersten, the massage therapist for Nazi SS leader Heinrich Himmler. The film is set to premiere on August 7 at the 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.

A Complicated Proposal

Randau was initially approached with a proposal from France to direct a miniseries about Kersten. Upon reviewing the concept, he found a particular statement troubling: “If Steven Spielberg had known about Felix Kersten, he would have shot a film about Felix Kersten and not about Oskar Schindler.” This remark prompted Randau to conduct his own research, delving into archives and literature to better understand Kersten’s life and legacy.

The Ambiguity of Heroism

Through his research, Randau discovered that the narrative the French producers envisioned was overly simplistic, framing Kersten as a hero. He stated, “I figured out that the story the French guys wanted to shoot was a hero story, a superhero story. But I felt you simply cannot do it.” This realization led him to shift his focus toward creating a more nuanced portrayal.

Plot Overview

I Is Another is set in 1952 and follows a journalist who confronts Kersten and his wife on a train. The journalist questions the heroic narrative that Kersten has constructed around himself, which he hopes could even earn him a Nobel Peace Prize. The interview quickly escalates into a psychological cat-and-mouse game, raising questions about whether Kersten is a hero, an impostor, or possibly both.

Randau emphasizes the complexity of storytelling, noting, “Every story has three sides: yours, mine, and the truth.”

A Star-Studded Cast

The film features a prominent European cast, including Claes Bang as Felix Kersten, Valerie Pachner as journalist Hedda, Susanne Wuest as Kersten’s wife Irmgard, Timocin Ziegler as Hedda’s husband Winfried, and Martin Müller as Himmler. The cinematography is handled by Sebastian Thaler, with editing by Joana Scrinzi.

Timeliness of Themes

Randau believes that I Is Another transcends the boundaries of a post-war film, addressing contemporary issues surrounding truth. He remarked, “It’s about truth and the question: what is truth? Nowadays, there are no more fundamental agreements about anything, so truth has become quite a flexible thing.” This perspective resonates strongly in today’s social media landscape, where narratives can be easily manipulated.

The Duality of Felix Kersten

Randau portrays Kersten as a complex figure, describing him as both a narcissist and an opportunist. He acknowledges that while Kersten saved lives, his motivations were largely self-serving. “He wanted to save his own ass, I think,” Randau stated.

The film blurs the lines between fact and fiction, with Randau explaining that many scenes are derived from Kersten’s autobiography, which he believes to be largely fabricated. He adds, “All the other stuff, the journalist and the train ride and stuff like that, is invented. It’s fiction. But somehow it’s also true.”

Casting Insights

Bang, who portrays Kersten, was initially unfamiliar with the historical figure. He expressed fascination with the story’s complexity and noted that the film’s production was a labor of love, requiring significant effort from the entire cast and crew. “We had to do it quite fast because there wasn’t a massive budget. I think we had 24 shooting days altogether,” he explained.

Pachner, who plays the journalist, resonated with the film’s themes of identity and perception. She stated, “It’s this idea of what you tell yourself and others about yourself, and how that can be very far from the truth.”

Exploring Character Depth

Pachner’s character, Hedda, is portrayed as multifaceted, moving beyond the archetype of a simple journalist. She noted, “She has her own very twisted and dark story. I’m so happy when I get to play a woman where not everyone says, ‘Oh, she’s so nice.’”

Wuest emphasized the film’s relevance to current societal issues, particularly regarding self-image and manipulation in the age of social media. She remarked, “It’s all about the image you create of yourself, and how manipulative that is.”

Political Parallels

Wuest also pointed out the film’s commentary on the rise of right-wing ideologies, linking it to a culture of self-absorption. She stated, “The film tells a story about that and perspective,” highlighting the multiple viewpoints presented throughout the narrative.

Artistic Choices

The film’s visual representation diverges from historical accuracy, allowing for creative interpretations of the characters. Wuest appreciated Randau’s flexibility in exploring different looks for the characters, suggesting that the film reflects Kersten’s subjective memory rather than strict realism.

For more details on the film, visit Hollywood Reporter.

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Published on 2026-08-05 12:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk