THE PAINTED BIRD - UDO KIER INTERVIEW

Udo Kier in, The Painted Bird

The Painted Bird might not be a film for everyone, but star Udo Kier believes it is a masterpiece.

German actor Udo Kier has had a long and varied career.  Known best for his 25 year collaboration with filmmaker Lars Von Trier, Kier is one of those actors who you might not know by name but you will definitely recognize his face ( and piercing blue eyes!) 

Kier has carved a niche playing lowlifes, and his demented turn in Czech Republic's The Painted Bird is no exception.

Based on Jerzy Kosiński's novel of the same name and directed by Václav Marhoul, The Painted Bird features an impressive cast and follows a young Jewish boy somewhere in Eastern Europe who seeks refuge during World War II where he encounters many different characters. 

Kier connected immediately with the material and related to many of it’s themes. The hospital where Kier was born in Cologne was bombed minutes after his birth, and he and his mother had to dig themselves out of the rubble — an event that he says defines him as a person and actor.

The Painted Bird is NOT for the faint of heart and its brutal scenes led to walkouts from audiences at the Venice, Toronto and London film festivals. At the 35th Warsaw International Film Festival, the audience honored the film with a long ovation after its only screening.

I spoke with Udo Kier from his home in. California about the film and his long time professional relationship with Lars Von Trier. 

The Painted Bird is now available in select theatres and digital VOD.