Humanity must unite to face global challenges, actor Peter Sarsgaard emphasized during a recent roundtable interview at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF). Sarsgaard, known for roles in Dead Man Walking and Boys Don’t Cry, expressed skepticism about Elon Musk’s Mars colonization plans and shared his reasons for joining the “No Kings” protest on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s birthday.
Sarsgaard’s remarks came after he received the KVIFF President’s Award, where he used his acceptance speech to denounce societal divisions, particularly in the United States. “The enemies are the forces that divide us,” he stated, highlighting the dangers of isolationism and internal factionalism. “There is no going it alone,” he added, pointing to the divisive issues of politics, gender, and race.
Critique of Mars Colonization
Addressing the existential threats posed by climate change and potential global conflicts, Sarsgaard questioned the viability of Mars as a refuge. “We’re all going to die. Our children are all going to live on the same planet, and maybe Elon [Musk]’s will live on Mars. It doesn’t look that nice to me,” he remarked. Sarsgaard argued that a connection among humans is essential, dismissing the idea of escaping to Mars as impractical.
His upcoming role in the Apple TV+ series Neuromancer draws parallels to Musk’s ambitions. “I play a guy who has created a kind of AI that is used all over the world, and he’s basically the most powerful, richest guy in the world,” Sarsgaard explained. The character’s escape from a deteriorating Earth mirrors Musk’s Mars vision, which Sarsgaard finds unrealistic. “There is no place to go!” he exclaimed.
Wealth and Survivalism
Sarsgaard also commented on the trend of wealthy individuals preparing for potential apocalypses by purchasing remote properties. “Many wealthy people are buying properties, say, in New Zealand,” he noted, but emphasized, “There is no place to be unless you have a nuclear arsenal to keep everyone else at bay!” His own remote property, he admitted, would not guarantee safety in a global crisis.
The actor’s concerns extend to the increasing role of AI in society. In 2023, he warned against replacing human creativity with machines, urging the industry to preserve the human element in storytelling. “I think we can all really agree that an actor is a person and that a writer is a person, but apparently we can’t,” he stated at the Venice International Film Festival.
Protests and Political Engagement
Sarsgaard’s participation in protests is driven by a desire for collective action. “I like going to a protest sometimes to look at all these people. ‘We can do it! We all believe in something bigger’,” he shared, recalling a recent “No Kings” protest with his daughter. The protest, held on Trump’s birthday, was a statement against concentrated power.
Reflecting on the experience, Sarsgaard said, “All the power consolidated in the fewest number of people sounds like a bad idea.” He advocates for a blend of socialism and democracy, though he admits others may understand these concepts better. “I just want everybody to have an equal opportunity,” he concluded.
Future Projects and Reflections
Looking ahead, Sarsgaard will star in Erosion, a film directed by Swiss filmmaker Michael Koch. “I play a brain surgeon,” he revealed, sharing his preparation by attending numerous brain surgeries. The role offers a “huge canvas” for his acting, as the character undergoes significant development.
While Sarsgaard praises his wife, Maggie Gyllenhaal, for her directorial skills, he remains open to directing in the future. “Maybe I have one movie in me to direct one day,” he mused, hinting at a potential project focused on actors.
Recently, Sarsgaard appeared in Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5 and wrapped production on The Bride!, directed by Gyllenhaal. His acclaimed performance in Michel Franco’s Memory won him the Volpi Cup for best actor at the 2023 Venice festival.
KVIFF organizers celebrated Sarsgaard for his “range and ability to access what is behind the often-complicated facades of the characters he plays.” In his honor, the festival screened the 2003 journalism drama Shattered Glass, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and insightful actor.
