Felix Brunger
He played in Luca Pappalardo‘s Stationary Bike as Richard Sifkitz.
SKSM: Tell us about yourself, who is Felix Brunger and what do you do or have you done?
Felix Brunger: Hi, I’m Felix Brunger – I’m an actor, currently based in London, working in theatre, film and television. Recently seen on Netflix in ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Felix Brunger: I’ve always been a creative person from an early age, loved performing in the school plays, drama club and anything I could be involved with. I think the first time I thought it could even be a possibility as a profession, was when the RSC came to my school in Dubai, touring a production of ‘Macbeth’. It totally blew me away, then getting the opportunity to talk with the actors post show, definitely planted a seed in my mind that I could pursue this art form as a career.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Stationary Bike Dollar Baby film?
Felix Brunger: I had worked with our Director Luca on a previous film of his, and he invited me for a meeting to talk about his idea for ‘Stationary Bike’
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Felix Brunger: I think the horror genre is wildly popular as it feeds into our primal nature of fear. And the building feeling of fear throughout ‘Stationary Bike’ hooks you in very cleverly. The metaphoric nature of the story allows the audience to make their own choices about the characters, so the response to the film has been very diverse in nature. I think it is a marmite film, you either like it or don’t- which is always fascinating to me.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Felix Brunger: Initially, Luca presented his idea and script to me to read and to give feedback. As Richard is originally someone of a very different physical build to myself, I didn’t think that I would be cast in this part, to be honest. Luca explained that he wanted to re imagine parts of the story, and he felt that I would be able to give this character the scope he was looking for. We had a read through, and Luca offered me the part.
SKSM: You worked with Luca Pappalardo on this film, how was that?
Felix Brunger: An absolute joy in all aspects. I had such a good time working with Luca, the crew and all the cast. Despite the genre of the film being quite dark, there was a lot of laughter on the set throughout our filming days!
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Felix Brunger: I have to say, the small bike we used for the dream sequences became the bane of our lives. The back wheel was broken and it had the worst breaks. Most of the shots are of me cycling down hill at speed. So you can imagine the challenges there!
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Felix Brunger: Yes, I’m still in touch with everyone but as you can imagine people’s lives are quite busy. IG is a super way to see what everyone is up to, and I’m in contact with Luca fairly often.
SKSM: Who are your favorite or influential actors?
Felix Brunger: My list is too long!- But I will say, Ben Whishaw, Gary Oldman, Paul Mescal, Carey Mulligan, the late Helen McCrory, Julianne Moore, Sophie Okonedo and Timothee Chalamet are super inspiring artists to me.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Felix Brunger: I’ve just finished a few short films, more information to come when I can speak about them and lots of auditioning!
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Felix Brunger: Absolutely – I grew up with films like The Shining, IT and Misery which were very popular movies at the time. I also read quite a few of his books, so he is definitely part of the fabric of my artistic influences to a degree.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Felix Brunger: I‘m not a fan of cold weather!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Felix Brunger: Simply – Thank you for taking the time to read this interview.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Felix Brunger: I hope you will be able to see ‘Stationary Bike’ in the near future!
