Lars Von Trier has been questioned by police over remarks he made about Hitler at the Cannes Film Festival in May. The Danish filmmaker, whose latest movie 'Melancholia' has divided critics, was declared 'persona non grata' at the festival after telling reporters he sympathised with the Nazi leader.
In a statement released on Wednesday (5th October 2011) Von Trier said, "Today at 2 p.m. I was questioned by the Police of North Zealand in connection with charges made by the prosecution of Grasse in France from August 2011 regarding a possible violation of prohibition in French law against justification of war crimes". The filmmaker raised eyebrows after telling reporters at a packed press conference, "I think I understand the man (Hitler). He's not what I would call a good guy, but I understand much about him, and I sympathize with him a little". After being banned from the festival, Von Trier issued an apology, which he later retracted. Following the police questioning, the controversial auteur revealed he is no longer prepared to speak in public, saying he had "decided from this day forth to refrain from all public statements and interviews".
Von Trier was intending to promote his new movie Melancholia at the now infamous press conference. The apocalyptic movie stars Kirsten Dunst as a bride who attempts to enjoy her wedding while a rogue planet hurtles towards earth.