Theaterkunst Talk
Lara Marie Kainz
Costume designer Lara Marie Kainz completed her costume design studies in Hanover in 2020. She previously gained experience in film and theater, for example at the Berliner Ensemble under the direction of Leander Haußmann or at the Residenztheater with Frank Castorf. After two years as a costume design assistant at the Hanover State Opera, she then moved to Schauspiel Hannover.
Following her first series “Brüt”, which was successfully broadcast on ARD, her first feature film “Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Thomas Mann”, a documentary-style film, has been released in cinemas on November 7.
Portrait: Kerstin Schomburg Collagen: Lara Marie Kainz Pressefoto BRÜT: ARD, Agnesh Pakozdi
Theaterkunst
Lara Marie Kainz
What is special about “Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Thomas Mann” and what were your first thoughts when you heard about this project?
First of all, I was overjoyed when Sebastian Schneider called me to tell me that he had put me forward for the project. We had already met on our previous project “BRÜT” and realized that we work very well together. I was immediately convinced by the script and I knew that costume had to play a big role in this movie! It was also exciting that our team was so small and we were able to travel a lot to original locations. But that also meant a lot of responsibility: I was always traveling with two large suitcases – one for the costumes and one for the equipment. I was often terrified of forgetting something!
We remember with great joy how you took photos with Sebastian Schneider (playing Thomas Mann) at our courtyard. Your choice of costumes has a very special touch that puts the scenic part of the film in dazzling colors. Can you tell us more about your costume choices?
For me, the character of the impostor was of course very interesting. A character who wants to make people fall in love with him and who captivates others with his appearance. I wanted to portray a liberated man who is self-confident and delicate at the same time. I worked with a lot of details, brooches, ties, patterns etc., to emphasize that the character puts a lot of thought into his look and that there is a lot of planning behind his appearance. I would describe my costume design as eccentric and harmonious. Sebastian and I were always quick to agree on what worked and what didn’t when choosing costumes.
Who or what inspires your costumes? Do you have a role model or a favorite era?
That’s a good question. I’m inspired by many things, like theater plays and films I’ve seen, fashion or people I meet on the street. In my work process, I often find inspiration at costume houses and get excited about individual costume pieces that I then want to stage. I love mixing eras and thus creating a timeless costume image.
What do you value most about a costume house?
The costumes are not only sustainable, the costume pieces often have a history and are so unique that they cannot be bought anywhere. I love being able to let myself drift around in the trove and draw from different eras. The Theaterkunst collection is a real treasure. It’s amazing what you can find there. For the Thomas Mann film, I used much more from the collection than I had originally planned. As a young costume designer, I also find it very enriching that there are places where I can work as a freelancer and receive a lot of support.
Are there big differences between working as a costume designer in opera, theater and film?
There are definitely differences in the requirements that the costume design must fulfill in the various areas. It is important in all areas that the costume design is authentic so that the audience can immerse themselves in the story without doubting it. In addition, the costume design should ideally help the players to empathize with their role. I’m glad that I was able to show with my last two projects that you can also be brave in film. I hope that I can continue to work in both areas, as they both have their own unique charms.
Thank you very much for the interview! See you soon!
Thank you for the opportunity to talk about my work! See you soon!
