Interview: Discussing the Surprising Success of ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ with Oscar Nominees Sandra Hüller and Justine Triet

The reason that Anatomy of a Fall is such a smashing success rests on the shoulders of leading lady Sandra Hüller and co-writer/director Justine Triet. That they’ve both received Academy Award nominations for this work (Best Actress for Hüller, while Triet is up for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay) is just a testament to how amazing this movie really is. So, getting a chance to speak to them both (a second time actually for Hüller, since we sat down for The Zone of Interest here) was an utter pleasure. Yesterday, I spoke here to Laura Martin and Messi the Dog, but today it’s star Hüller and filmmaker Triet discussing their Oscar-nominated work.

In my review of the movie from back at the Toronto International Film Festival (here), I had the following to say about this riveting work from Hüller and Triet:

Sandra Hüller gives one of the year’s best performances here. Hüller makes her character complex and somewhat unknowable, which adds even more mystery to the proceedings. Even as the credits roll, you’re wondering about her and if justice was served or not. That’s not really the point, but she makes the portrait of this woman nothing less than enrapturing. 

Filmmaker Justine Triet only has one misstep here, otherwise turning in some terrific filmmaking. Along with co-writer Arthur Harari, Triet tiptoes along the lines of a third act decision that would have completely lost me. It’s not quite a misdirect, but the start of something more complex, so it works out, but it’s touch and go for a moment. Other than that, the script is sharp, while Triet’s direction shines, especially in the domestic scenes. The film is as successful at examining a complicated relationship as it is in depicting courtroom drama.

Below, you can see my discussion with Hüller and Triet. We didn’t have a ton of time, so we’re focusing in on the surprising success of the film, which both are still kind of stunned by. You can hear their reactions, as well as amusement that Messi has become the standout star that he’s become due to the movie. Plus, listening to their pleased reactions to audiences “getting it” is also just incredibly satisfying. Both have shots at Oscar glory next month, especially Triet in Original Screenplay, so in case you didn’t see this one yet, correct that glaring omission immediately and seek out Anatomy of a Fall…

Here now is my interview with Anatomy of Fall star Sandra Hüller and filmmaker Justine Triet. Enjoy:

Anatomy of a Fall is available to watch right now!