Dutch actress Carice van Houten is probably best known for playing the creepy and devious priestess Melisandre on Game of Thrones, warping the minds of the entire Baratheon clan. But her breakout role was in 2006 when she starred in Paul Verhoeven's WWII drama, Black Book, the highest-grossing Dutch film ever (also the most expensive). Now she's set to return to the era again in the Jesse Owens biopic, Race, only this time she won't be fighting the Nazis, she'll be portraying one of their most prominent members.
Van Houten will play infamous Third Reich filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl in the film, which is directed by Stephen Hopkins and has Stephan James in the Owens role. Riefenstahl directed the Nazi propaganda piece, Triumph of the Will, which despite its repulsive message is considered by many to be a cinematic work of art. Quentin Tarantino talked about Riefenstahl's influence as a director in his film, Inglourious Basterds. Hitler appreciated her work so much he invited her to film the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and she delivered to him the documentary, Olympia, recognized for its use of tracking shots and slow-motion effects.
Also starring Jeremy Irons and Jason Sudeikis, Race is filming now and should be in theaters next year. [THR]
