Matthias Schweighöfer on Frank Farian's Anger

"Girl You Know It's True," set to hit theaters this Friday, delves into the controversial story of the pop duo Milli Vanilli, focusing on their discovery by German producer Frank Farian. The film portrays how Farian found dancers Fabrice Morvan and Robert Pilatus, played by Elab Ben Ali and Tijan Nije, respectively. The narrative takes a dramatic turn as it recounts the infamous press conference on November 14, 1990, where Farian revealed that Morvan and Pilatus had been lip-syncing to tracks recorded by other artists, leading to the duo's downfall. Actor Matthias Schweighöfer, who portrays Farian, conducted extensive research, including studying documentaries, to accurately depict the producer's complex character. He noted that Farian was particularly controlling, especially regarding the Milli Vanilli project, and often clashed with Morvan and Pilatus over their desire to sing on their own albums. The film captures the tension between the artists and Farian, showcasing moments where he reprimanded them for attempting to assert their musical identities. Schweighöfer emphasized the authenticity of the script, which includes scenes of Farian's explosive temper. He remarked on the frequency of Farian's outbursts, stating, "I heard he was screaming a lot." The film aims to present a nuanced view of the events, highlighting the cultural dynamics at play in this "German American story." As the film prepares for its release, it promises to shed light on the complexities of fame, control, and the consequences of deception in the music industry.