In the domestic suspense drama Helsinki Syndrome, Peter Franzén is a family man paying ransom during the Depression, \”whose cup goes upside down\”. The story contains some plot revelations about the new series.
It takes a while for him to remember who it is.
The actor portrayed the young Jake in the Venla-awarded television series in the municipalities of Karelia, the first episode of which was seen in 2007. It is an innocent bird’s-eye view of the fictional village of Miikkula.
– I’ve known since then that I don’t want to stay in those circles, I want to move on, says Franzén now.
Not everyone made it out of debt hell alive
Born in Keminmaa 51 years ago, Peter Franzén belongs to the elite of domestic actors. He is also a director, author and farm owner.
After a break of years, Franzén returns from international productions to domestic drama.
His latest role is electrician and family man Elias Karo in the suspense drama _Helsinki Syndrome_.
The series takes Finland to the recession of the 1990s, the banking crisis and the harsh fates of people.
Even though we are moving in this time with the corona pandemic, the past has a long tail.
During the depression years, unemployment increased, thousands of companies went bankrupt, difficulties drove people to commit suicide. Some of those in debt still haven’t survived the excessive loans they guaranteed, but are still paying them.
Peter Franzén says that the series brings to light the hidden tragedies from decades ago. He hasn’t forgotten them either.
– I know people from my home village in Keminmaa, from whom the crisis of the 90s took everything. I feel sad and feel sorry for those who have had to suffer.
In the _Helsinki syndrome_, Elias Karo, who guaranteed his father’s loans when he was only 18 years old, starts seeking justice for himself and thousands of others who have experienced the same. He kidnaps four journalists to uncover the truth.
– Elias is a fighter and tries to stick to life and provide for his family, but his cup goes awry and he starts planning a crime, says Peter Franzén about his character.
Elias plans to take 2.2 billion euros from the Treasury of Finland and distribute them to Finns who have suffered because of their past.
– Of course it’s a crime to kidnap people, but in principle Elias is morally good and also a bit of a Robin Hood character. He’s had enough of the little person’s discrimination.
Franzén says that he enjoyed filming in Finland.
– It was wonderful to see that there are many new enthusiastic and skilled workers in Finland. The production of Finnish series and films is currently of a high international standard, the actor praises.
The actor’s face is tattooed on the skin
Franzén’s facial features can be recognized by the skin of many of his admirers. The role performance of King Harald the Handsome from the _Viikingit-series_ (HBO’s Vikings) has been so popular that the most enthusiastic have wanted to tattoo the face of their favorite character.
The actor praises the tattoos as fine and skillfully done. He has published pictures of them on his own Instagram account.
The historical drama series Vikings has been a success around the world. King Harald Kaunotukka of Norway is Franzén’s biggest international role to date.
– The wild popularity of the series feels incredible. Of course, it has also opened a lot of new doors and job opportunities for me.
The farm’s animals, such as chickens and goats, must be fed and cared for, even if the filming takes the world.
– I try to be there as much as possible, but an actor’s work can’t be done remotely, and that’s why it doesn’t always work out.
Franzén: \”Veikko Huovinen was a great man\”
Franzén admits to being an admirer of Huovinen’s works and is familiar with the author’s production.
– Veikko Huovinen was a great man, may he rest in peace.
Hamsterit will premiere next year.
– I hope we made a movie that he would be proud of, the actor says and gestures to the sky above.
Huovinen already liked the movie _Koirankynne leikkaaja_ (2004), which was also based on his book.
Franzén received the Jussi Award for Best Actor for the film. Before that, he was awarded Jussi for a supporting role in the movie _Kuningasjätkä_ (1998). That is also Pölönen’s direction.
A long list of film roles has accumulated over the years. Franzén’s _Rukajärvi tie_ (1999) was the most watched domestic film of the 90s.
Now a new movie is in the works. The locations of the Swedish-Finnish-Spanish thriller are Tampere, the mining milieu of Kiiruna and the Canary Islands.
Franzén: \”For Russia to stop fooling around\”
– I want to tell stories by writing, acting and also directing. It has been my way of living, says Peter Franzén.
The first book was based on true events _On Dark Water_, about which he also directed a movie (2013).
The next book will be a historical novel.
– You can do a lot of that if doing it is meaningful, like I do.
Hopes for the future are not only related to work or family.
What do you dream of?
– About world peace. That Russia would stop fooling around. That would be the dream: peace and a stable state of being.
– If they could somehow be tricked, he says and refers to the war in Ukraine that has been going on since February.
_Helsinki Syndrome at Yle Areena 2.9. and Yle on TV1 on 4.9. from Sundays at 9:05 p.m._
_You can discuss the topic on 31.8. until 11 p.m. The story was updated on 31.8. at 2:03 p.m.: added information at the beginning that the story contains some plot revelations._