Sandra Hüller is set to headline “Arbeit und Struktur” (“Work and Structure”), Maria Schrader’s film adaptation of the acclaimed autobiographical work by German writer and artist Wolfgang Herrndorf. Production is scheduled to get underway in early 2027, with the film set for release the following year.
Hüller, known for her roles in “Anatomy of a Fall,” “The Zone of Interest” and “Project Hail Mary,” will take on the role of Herrndorf, who began recording his experiences after receiving a terminal brain tumor diagnosis in 2010.
It is fairly unprecedented for female actors to play male roles, making performances like Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in “I’m Not There” and Linda Hunt’s portrayal of Billy Kwan in “The Year of Living Dangerously” particularly notable. Hüller will similarly challenge traditional gender expectations in acting.
As for male-to-female performances, they have become increasingly rare over the last ten years. The most recent example I can think of is Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Lili Elbe in “The Danish Girl” (2015), a performance that eventually garnered controversy to the point that, years later, Redmayne apologized for taking on the role, going as far as saying he regretted his decision.
“Arbeit und Struktur” will trace Herrndorf’s final years as he grapples with his illness while continuing to write and remain deeply engaged with friendship, love and his creative life. The film will depict his hospital stays, as well as intimate encounters with friends and his partner.
“Ever since my first encounter with Wolfgang Herrndorf’s work, I have been unable to let go of his writing. His texts are at once surprising, unsettling, and comforting,” said Hüller. “To encounter him as a person through this film: at a moment when his life changed abruptly, seemed on the verge of falling apart, and when he was simultaneously discovering his voice as a writer before it was tragically silenced, is both a great honour and a profound challenge for me,” she continued.
Schrader directed “She Said,” the 2022 exposé of Harvey Weinstein, as well as “I’m Your Man” and “Unorthodox.” She will direct from a screenplay she co-wrote with Jan Schomburg.
This absolutely matters. That room was practically all Oscar voters. Fact remains, “Michael” was always going to contend for a best picture nomination, you just had to set your biases aside.