Severi Saarinen and Katariina Havukainen wanted to honor Marko Jantuse and his ex-wife.
Novelty movie A winger says the ex-hockey player Marko Jantunen from struggling with substance abuse problems. Aleksi Mäkelän Severi Saarinen and Katariina Havukainen.
This is the duo’s star moment, as both play their first big roles in the film. A winger started planning already six years ago. Four years ago, it was decided that Saarinen would play Jantus.
– Probably my and Marko’s similar habitus was the reason why they asked if I would be interested. A meeting with Marko was soon arranged and we started the groundwork, although it was not yet certain when the film would be made, says Saarinen.
Katariina Havukainen and Severi Saarinen play their first big film roles in Laitapuole hökkääjä. Laura Mainiemi, Solar Films
Saarinen and Jantunen became friends through the collaboration.
– Marko is hard to talk, I just listened and learned. As an actor, I am grateful that the person I portrayed gave so much of himself.
Tough theme
Havukainen plays Jantunen’s ex-wife. In real life, his name is Sari, but the main character is Kati. The name has been changed because although the film is based on true events, it also contains fiction.
– I believe that the film will touch many people. In Finland, many people have a problematic relationship with substances or a loved one who does. My character is also the spouse of a top athlete, and their stories are rarely told, says Havukainen.
Severi Saarinen has previously played, among other things, Sergeant Lehto in the movie Unknown Soldier. Joona Rissanen
Havukainen also met Sari while preparing for the role. He admits that the situation was exciting.
– There was a big ethical responsibility in this role. This is the real life of her and her children’s father. I’m really moved by the thought of it. I wanted to do her justice and show that Kati is not just any sleazy wife. She has her own will and life, even though she lives on the terms of her husband’s work.
Jantunen and Sari’s marriage ended in 2009 after almost 20 years of living together and two children. Jantunen lost his family and career because of his drug addiction. The film deals with difficult themes, but the story wanted to be told respectfully.
– On Marko’s map, I liked the fact that seeing the film might be difficult for him. But I promised it would be great, says Saarinen.
Katariina Havukainen comes from an acting family: her mother is Riitta Havukainen and her stepfather is Eppu Salminen. Joona Rissanen
Body on trial
The promise was kept: both Jantunen and Sari were satisfied when they saw the finished film.
– Sari sent me a beautiful message, praised my performance and said that the scenes and emotional states of the film are recognisable. It made me feel so much better, Havukainen laughs.
Saarinen plays Jantus, who is at the bottom of his drug addiction, and who desperately wanders around Lahti after substances and money. The film also shows flashbacks to Jantunen’s hockey days. The role was mentally and physically demanding.
– In the scenes, you had to push yourself to the limit so that the mental landscape of the drug addict felt real and was conveyed to the viewer. I also had to change from the malnourished body of a drug addict to the body of an elite athlete. I first lost 19 kilos and then gained as much weight back as possible. It was quite a journey for my body, Saarinen recalls.
When he was in top shape, Saarinen took shirtless photos of himself as a souvenir.
– Then, as an old priest, I can sometimes watch them at the cottage, he laughs.
Winger in theaters August 26.