A timeless literary masterpiece receives a modern adaptation in Young Werther, inspired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s 1774 classic, The Sorrows of Young Werther. This film, set to resonate with contemporary audiences, navigates the intricacies of love and longing through a familiar yet refreshed narrative. Featuring Douglas Booth, known for his role in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, as the eponymous Werther, the storyline explores his infatuation with a captivating woman, played by Alison Pill (The Newsroom). The catch? She is already engaged to a seemingly perfect partner, portrayed by Patrick J. Adams from Suits. Hence, Werther embarks on a comedic and tumultuous journey to capture her heart, regardless of her feelings.
Although Werther may come across as an unlikable character with his misguided aspirations, the film masterfully retains an endearing essence, largely due to the thoughtful script by writer-director José Lourenço and Booth’s charismatic performance. Booth’s portrayal offers a blend of charm, humor, and an innocent vibe, even as his character attempts to woo another’s fiancée.
In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Douglas Booth opened up about his preparation for the role in Young Werther. He shared insights on his character’s development during rehearsals, the pre-shoot nerves he experienced, and even touched on the whimsical idea of how a fictional meeting between Werther and Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe might unfold.
Douglas Booth on Portraying the Charming Young Werther
“He makes mistakes and he acts like an idiot. But he is so damn charming and he wears his heart on his sleeve.”
Screen Rant: Your performance is superb! Given the prominence of your character, how much rehearsal time did you have before filming began?
Douglas Booth: Thank you! I appreciate the compliment. We had a solid rehearsal schedule, especially for a film of this scale. I spent two weeks in Toronto prior to shooting, which allowed Alison and me to build our chemistry. It was crucial for the dynamics of our characters. The preparation involved navigating through José’s rich dialogue, crafting a balance between elevated language and authentic emotion. That was essential for bringing Werther to life.
Booth further explained how pivotal his character’s personality is to the overall narrative, likening the film’s tone to a precarious game of Jenga, where each piece must fit perfectly to portray Werther as a relatable, albeit flawed, protagonist.
Douglas Booth: Werther undeniably embodies the qualities of a “fop,”a term I learned can carry negative connotations. Yet, my goal was to evoke a sense of endearment despite his many missteps. He’s charming in his folly and genuinely believes in his love for Charlotte, adding complexity to his coming-of-age journey initiated by his arrival in Toronto.
The Adaptation of Young Werther: A Fresh Perspective
“The script stood out as its own story.”
Douglas Booth: While I hadn’t read the original novel prior to filming, I found the adaptation offered its own unique story. It’s fascinating to note how The Sorrows of Young Werther was so popular that it sparked widespread romantic hysteria when published. Napoléon even carried a copy into battle for Josephine. It’s remarkable how art influences society in profound ways.
Discussing the film’s ending, Booth hinted at a slight divergence from the book, ensuring a more uplifting conclusion that aligns with the film’s comedic essence.
Douglas Booth: It definitely has a different ending, infused with José’s typical signature twist. Staying true to the book’s somber conclusion wouldn’t have fit the romantic comedy vibe we aimed for.
The Style and Charm of Young Werther
“I just had to allow myself to be silly.”
Screen Rant: Your portrayal exudes style. Can you elaborate on how your character’s wardrobe contributes to his appeal?
Douglas Booth: The clothes were integral to Werther’s personality, courtesy of our talented costume team. Each morning was a delight, discovering new outfits that enhanced Werther’s eccentricity. His dressing style not only reflects his character but also serves as armor against deeper insecurities.
Booth’s insight reveals that despite Werther’s shortcomings, including his misguided pursuit of another’s fiancé, his naivety stems from a place of genuine charm rather than malice.
Douglas Booth: He is fundamentally a sympathetic character. His flaws are rooted in ignorance, not malice.
The promotion of a playful and innocent demeanor was a critical aspect of Booth’s performance, allowing him to connect with audiences while portraying a character that could easily be misunderstood.
Douglas Booth: Yes, navigating that balance was essential. I constantly worked to ensure Werther maintained a sense of youthful charm that the audience could appreciate rather than judge.
Insights into the Character’s Journey
Regarding the learning process, Booth reflected on the challenges he faced in embodying Werther, especially as filming approached.
Douglas Booth: Indeed, the days leading up to filming were filled with anxiety as I pondered how to approach the character. You always want to make a strong first impression, especially when everyone is watching to see how you’ll portray the role.
Exploring the Fantasy: Werther Meets Nikki Sixx
Lastly, Booth humorously speculated on how an encounter between his character and the iconic bassist of Mötley Crüe might unfold:
Douglas Booth: Werther would certainly strive to integrate himself into Nikki’s rock star lifestyle, perhaps attempting to outdrink him. I imagine by the night’s end, he’d have transformed into a version of himself complete with eyeliner!
More About Young Werther (2024)
Young Werther Hits Theaters and Streaming on December 13
Starring Patrick J. Adams, Douglas Booth, and Alison Pill, Young Werther is a romantic comedy that explores themes of love and heartache. The narrative follows the charming yet misguided Werther, who, while running an errand in Toronto, believes he has found true love, only to discover she is already engaged. Ignoring his friend’s well-meaning advice, he embarks on a hilarious and chaotic quest to claim her heart.
Stay tuned for further insights, including an interview with Alison Pill!
Young Werther is now available in select theaters and through Digital & On Demand.
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