A Call for Unity Amidst Division

In a candid roundtable interview at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Peter Sarsgaard, renowned for roles in films like *Dead Man Walking* and *Boys Don’t Cry*, made a powerful appeal for humanity to come together. The actor, who recently received the KVIFF President’s Award, highlighted the dangers of division in society, particularly in the U.S., where various factions are arising from politics to race.

"The enemies are the forces that divide us," Sarsgaard stated, warning that isolation will only lead to greater problems. His poignant remarks come as he reflected on the global challenges we face, positing that cooperation is essential if we’re to overcome threats like climate change and war.

Skeptical of Mars Colonization

When the topic turned to Elon Musk's ambitious plans for colonizing Mars, Sarsgaard didn’t hold back. He expressed skepticism, remarking, "We’re all going to die. Our children are all going to live on the same planet, and maybe Elon’s will live on Mars. But it doesn’t look that nice to me." He emphasized the absurdity of seeking refuge in space instead of addressing pressing Earthly concerns.

Sarsgaard likened Musk's dream to his current role in the Apple TV+ series *Neuromancer*, where he plays an AI creator who escapes the failing world—a scenario he finds troubling. He pointed out, "There is no place to go! So that really interested me." His words resonate deeply in an era where billionaires flaunt survivalist fantasies amid global crises.

The Dangers of Isolation

Sarsgaard addressed the trend of wealthy individuals creating survivalist bunkers in remote areas, such as New Zealand. "There is no effing place to be unless you have a nuclear arsenal to keep everyone else at bay!" he asserted, insisting that the perception of safety in isolation is misguided. Instead, he believes true security lies in collective action and solidarity.

Social Connections in an AI-Driven World

Reflecting on the rising influence of AI in our lives, Sarsgaard voiced concerns over the erosion of genuine human connections. He warned against permissively handing narrative power to machines and their billionaire owners, stating the importance of preserving human-authored stories that explore connections and social themes.

Empowered by Activism

Sarsgaard also shared his activist side, recalling a recent *No Kings* protest he attended with his daughter on Trump’s birthday. He described the experience as uplifting, stating, "We can do it! We all believe in something bigger." His support for such collective movements underlines his belief in democracy and equality.

Future Projects and Creative Aspirations

Looking ahead, Sarsgaard is set to star in *Erosion*, directed by Michael Koch, where he plays a brain surgeon. He eagerly anticipates exploring his multifaceted character, hinting at the depth and challenges that await him. Sarsgaard mused, "I’ll also be acting with mostly non-actors; it’s going to be an interesting experience."

While he admires his wife Maggie Gyllenhaal’s prowess as a director, he teased the idea of one day directing himself, emphasizing a desire for an actor-driven narrative.

In Conclusion: A Tribute to a Versatile Actor

Renowned for his versatility, Sarsgaard’s remarkable career continues to flourish with a rich tapestry of roles, from his recent film *Memory* to the soon-to-release *The Bride*! Meanwhile, the festival celebrated his talent by screening *Shattered Glass*, a testament to his complex character portrayals.