Unmasking Elani Dekker: The Actress Who Defies Typecasting

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Elani Dekker is an enchanting powerhouse on-screen, skillfully navigating both intense dramatic and comedic performances. Famously recognized for her starring roles in “Die Bloedhonde” and “Toorbos”, Spling conducted a revealing interview with Dekker, primarily focusing on these films to gain insights into the mind of an actress and the intricacies of her craft. From a humorous crime comedy set at a modest holiday resort and a murder mystery, to the visually poetic narrative of a wide-ranging romance drama, Dekker seamlessly shifts between roles, demonstrating her raw talent and screen presence in equal proportions.

In Die Bloedhonde, you’re immersed in the gritty, contemporary world of crime and trauma, while Toorbos transports us to a mystical, almost timeless wilderness. How do you prepare to embody such disparate realities?

In my view, while the surroundings significantly shape a character’s identity and how they interact with the world, fundamentally, these characters remain people just like us. The task was to identify aspects of myself that align closest with this particular person and their unique perspective on life.

The main differences between them stemmed from their surroundings, engaging stories, and situations they encountered. Yet fundamentally, they needed to feel authentic with genuine human traits. Consequently, my preparation for both was quite similar. Despite the distinct environments and seemingly dissimilar life paths, I had a firm grasp of what they desired in life.

Initially, I dedicate ample hours to immersing myself in the script. This prolonged interaction seemed instrumental in unveiling a fascinating insight: my mind struggles to discern fiction from fact. Consequently, I indulge in numerous exercises that stimulate my imagination, concocting scenarios not explicitly mentioned in the script yet potentially enriching my character’s backstory. I find immense pleasure exploring this imaginative realm and consider it an essential element of my preparation process.

There’s a powerful sense of inner strength and vulnerability in both roles. How do you manage that contrast in your performance?

At times, it seems like I’m walking on a high wire without a net. I prefer not to focus too much on maintaining this balance because once I start thinking about it, it becomes all-consuming. However, the genuine candor that these traits allow only arises when one is fully immersed in the moment.

In my approach to character portrayal, I strive to steer clear from making ‘vulnerability’ or ‘strength’ my primary intention. Instead, I opt for methods that empower myself and concentrate on tangible actions, which incidentally illuminate these qualities subtly. This is a technique I’m continuously honing and mastering. My main focus lies in understanding the essence of each character and their motivations, what fuels them in life. I’m incredibly appreciative when my portrayal is perceived as strong and vulnerable, but as a performer, I can’t intentionally aim to create those qualities directly; rather, they are beautiful byproducts of my work.

From another perspective, it’s intriguing that we discuss strength and vulnerability since they seem to contradict each other, yet they can be interconnected for me. It’s possible to view inner strength as a means of being vulnerable and exposed at the same time, and conversely, vulnerability may stem from an underlying strength that supports it. In essence, these two qualities often complement one another, which is a thought-provoking concept for me.

Both characters display a very strong drive for truth. How do you navigate the complexities of truth in your own life, especially in an industry that often blurs those lines?

Wow, what a thoughtful question! Indeed, seeking truth and understanding my own truth has been a significant aspect of my life journey, which is why I’m drawn to narratives that revolve around this topic. To be honest, I’ve often found it challenging to discern and trust my inner voice, especially in this dynamic and intriguing field. Currently, I’m discovering the importance of creating a ‘secure sanctuary’, a term that’s quite trendy nowadays but serves as a place where I can feel stable and unclouded by global and industry events.

Absolutely, it’s not just the film and TV sector feeling this stress and rapid change. Across all professions, there’s a sense of pressure and turmoil that’s hard to avoid. What I’ve discovered is the importance of establishing personal routines, such as taking walks, practicing yoga, or trying TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises). These activities help me find calmness and security, enabling me to think more clearly and make decisions with greater clarity.

By clarifying my feelings and identifying my personal values, principles, I can better understand who I truly am. It’s confusing at times to comprehend what truth means and what it entails to “stand in your own truth,” but I’m learning that trusting one’s inner voice is crucial. To live more authentically, I’ve found it beneficial to establish regular routines that serve as anchors for me.

Both films touch on themes of societal expectations and individual truth. What do you hope audiences will take away, particularly in today’s social climate?

If I were to pick one thing that resonates most with an audience, it would likely be fostering empathy and understanding towards people or situations unlike ourselves. This doesn’t necessitate agreement about the events portrayed in the story. Instead, it encourages acknowledging our diverse viewpoints, recognizing that they may evolve over time, while also allowing room for others to express their own unique perspectives.

These films offer us a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow together. Instead of assuming that my methods are universally applicable and imposing them on others, I hope these films inspire open conversations with loved ones about different perspectives, fostering a sense of curiosity towards other people’s viewpoints. Remember, it’s okay if someone holds a contrasting opinion, and you don’t have to feel threatened or compelled to justify your own truth. Embrace your authenticity without judging others for theirs.

It seems that we’re all on unique paths to discover how these concepts manifest for us – sometimes they may appear as vague notions or lofty phrases. However, in our daily lives, it means striving, experimenting, and discovering methods to live in greater harmony and consistency with those around us.

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2025-04-11 15:43