The Tenth Muse

Director: Torben Skjødt Jensen
Producers: Michael Bille Frandsen & Ole Reim
Produced by: DR
Duration: 95 min.
Year of Production: 2003
Original Title: Afgrunden - Die Asta

A modern and exciting fiction film about the biggest silent movie star ever, Asta Nielsen.

Yearnings, disasters, hope and an indomitable spirit. This is the story about the girl who came from the most abject poverty and made her own way to amazing world fame and fortune. This is the story of a little girl who overcomes opposition and tragedy and yet ends up lonely in the hell of old age – with her eyes turned towards death.

The film takes place in 1965, in Asta Nielsen's apartment, where she meets a young journalist. His meeting with Asta Nielsen is for the purpose of making a film portraying her life – but he ends up being too close – too close to the truth. Using flashbacks, we meet the young and beautiful Asta Nielsen, back to the time between 1895-1940.