|
|
Franka Potente
The most promising actress with a potential to make it on the international stage
Born in 1974 in Dülmen, Germany, Franka studied acting in Otto Falckenberg School in Munich and later in Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York. Speaking German, French, and English, she was able to begin her film career in all three languages.
In 1995 she landed a leading role in a major German picture Nach fünf im Urwald (After Five in the Jungle). Her performance did not go unnoticed by the German critics. The same year she received a Bavarian Film Prize for acting.
In 1996 Franka was showered with leading female parts. She starred in in a French television production Rose et Mélanie, and did two German tele-films, Walter Weber's Zwei Brüder and Thomas Bahrmann's Coming In. She scored roles in two big screen movies, Die drei Mädels von der Tankstelle and Easy Day, both leads.
In 1997 she starred as Gabrielle in Urs Egger's television film Opernball (Opera Ball). The role brought her a Bavarian television prize for acting.
1998 came as the fateful year in Franka's career. Independent German director Tom Tykwer cast Franka in his vibrant romantic action film, Lola Rennt (Run Lola Run). The film circled the globe (note the poster from Japan on the left), and Franka's electric performance earned her a world-wide following.
Lola Rennt was also my first encounter with Franka Potente. Perhaps it was just the impact of the film, but I was impressed enough to join the legions of Franka's fans.
Lola Rennt has been praised with banal words like "Exhilirating" and "Stunning," But I think this film is just one 80-minute hyper fun ride! You don't even need food to watch this--you would probably be too captivated to eat it.
As
even Tom Tykwer agrees, though packed with action, Lola Rennt is a love story at
the core. After all, it's love that gives Lola the strength and the
courage to fight the time and save her boyfriend, Manni (Moritz Bliebrau).
And yes, of course, Lola makes a lot of noise! Apart from popularity, the film earned a Best Film nomination for the European film prize, was considered for an Oscar nomination, and got Viewer's Choice award at the Sundance Film Festival.
Franka's recent American production is Ted Demme's Blow. She stars as Barbara, Johnny Depp's dope-transporting yet sweet fiancée.
Other
notable work includes leads in two German films: Schlaraffenland
(1998, left) and a horror flick, Anatomie (1999, right)
A cultural icon, even a beginning one, must have many faces and facets. Quite a well rounded person in life, Franka has already coined a number of images and memorable photographs.
*Coming in the fall is Der Kreiger und Die Kaiserin by Tom Tykwer
Princess and the Warrior: Somewhere Out There, Love Is Waiting
See previous women features Bjork