All Quiet on the Western Front’s Felix Kammerer reflects on acting in his first film - BBC Newsnight

The new Neftlix adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front, based on Erich Maria Remarque's famous 1928 anti war novel, has taken the film awards season by storm.

The German language movie has garnered 14 Bafta and 5 Oscar nominations. The intensity of the film is only heightened for a new generation by the war in Ukraine.

The 18-year-old at the heart of the movie, the compassionate and sensitive Paul Baumer is played by the Austrian theatre actor Felix Kammerer, performing in his first film.

It portrays young German cadets in 1917 from their initial romanticised imaginings of heroic victory, to their most awful, barbaric, wasteful deaths.

 
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[MiStuSia]

„It’s not a hero story” - that’s why I appreciate the book and the movie. Too many war movies are hero stories, almost encouraging young people to go fight thinking it’s cool or fun.

[VOiDED]

I'm actually impressed this is his first film, his acting was top notch for a first time

[mariposahorribilis]

What an intelligent and articulate young man. And kudos to the interviewer for letting him shine without obtruding her own personality.

[reklamedamereloaded]

Him saying „I built a spreadsheet to follow character development“ was the most German thing ever. I love it!
He was outstanding in this movie.

Edit: Felix is Austrian - not German. I apologize for this. However I think our cultures are quite similar when it comes to this.

[TihetrisWeathersby]

He was great in this movie, Really nailed every scene

[sew]

It’s a travesty that he hasn’t been nominated for an Oscar. One of the most compelling actors I’ve ever seen.

[nethanlock]

The scene with the French soldier had me on the brink of tears. Great movie and this man did an excellent job!!!👏👏👏👏

[marlonese]

Felix performance left me speechless multiple times during the movie. You can read all these tiny emotions on his face, in his eyes.. He's an amazing actor

[giselaswaragita]

he deserves at least a nomination at the oscars

[EarnestTargenfyre]

The Fact That He Didn't Got A Single Nomination For His Amazing Performance In Any Award Show Is Hilarious To Me!
Nonetheless, Our Love Is His Award. He Was Phenomenal! ❤️

[MariaMunoz-rznz]

Was he nominated for any awards? He’s performance was superb!

[karinaemelie]

The voice of Felix Kammerer sounds very mature for his age and youthful charisma. 😯👍

[makaheng]

Imagine they shot it before the Ukraine War and seeing the theme of the film repeat itself 100 years later, arriving at the conclusion we aren't any cleverer was just spot on.

[sunshinething]

Such an articulate young man and an incredible actor.

[sahiblindberg]

He has the same eloquence that Christoph Waltz has. Vienna sure does produce great actors, bravo!

[TihetrisWeathersby]

All Quiet on the Western Front had crazy good visuals and sound it felt real and visceral

[veragrig]

The excel spreadsheet is great proof that acting is not just "that is what I felt", but also practical work done.

[pam]

He should have been nominated for an Oscar. My God, he carried that tragic film so beautifully.

[Mor_timer]

Can’t believe this was his first film… he was thrown into a den for his debut performance and he delivered ❤

[antediluvianer]

I lost count how many times I have already watched this movie on repeat, by myself and along with friends and family I recommended. Felix’s performance was exceptional. Hope to see more of him in the future 👏🏼