Interview: ‘Sentimental Value’ Filmmakers Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt Chat About Their Creative Process

I absolutely love what Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt are up to. Together, they have made several films that really leave you with much to ruminate on, but recently, the one two punch of The Worst Person in the World and Sentimental Value have put them on a whole other level. The humanity of their storytelling is currently unmatched in the industry. Co-writing together, with Trier directing, they’ve hit on a type of movie that we just don’t really get right now. So, I’ve been wanting to talk with them for months, but it wasn’t until this week that it finally happened. Today, our discussion comes your way.

In my rave review of Sentimental Value at the Toronto International Film Festival here, I had the following to say about Trier and Vogt:

Joachim Trier once again directs a screenplay he co-wrote with Eskil Vogt. There’s a slightly more mature quality to the work here, though no less entertaining. By creating such vivid characters, you’re happy just to spend time with them, so a sturdy narrative is almost a bonus. Trier and Vogt weave in the house as a character with its own history, one that ties deeply into the scars of the Borg family, doing so in a way that’s interesting as well as subtly emotional. It’s incredibly confident filmmaking, up and down the line.

Previously at TIFF, I raved here about The Worst Person in the World like so:

Filmmaker Joachim Trier throws a lot at you. Along with co-writer Eskil Vogt, Trier has all manner of rom-com moments toyed with here. Where else will you see an amazing party meet cute, but also a mushroom trip that involves a bloody protest. Trier’s direction takes it all seriously, lending it an extra air of care. Trier and Vogt, along with Reinsve, also just make Julie one of the best characters in some time. You care about her. You really care.

Below, you can hear my chat with Trier and Vogt. I’d spoken to Trier at a reception at Telluride back in September, but this was our first time all talking together. We discuss both flicks, though obviously the focus is on Sentimental Value. I was absolutely fascinated by their process, so I really wanted to hear about how the story was broken, as well as the casting decisions, especially Elle Fanning. Plus, if you’re like me and love one particular DVD related joke in the movie, you’ll find out some details there too. The film is out now and is as good as you’ve heard, so if you haven’t seen it yet, rectify that immediately…

Here now is my interview with Sentimental Value filmmakers Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt. Enjoy:

Sentimental Value is in theaters now!