A Frearful experience
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
After slinging back a double shift last night to cover the floods, I had today off and conducted my phone interview with Stephen Frears (above) from home this afternoon. The acclaimed British director is the master behind such films as The Deal, Dirty Pretty Things, High Fidelity, Dangerous Liaisons, The Queen, Cheri and, most recently, Tamara Drewe (which I review below). Besides having been up for two best director Oscars himself, his actors have also scored countless nominations for their work in his films and Helen Mirren famously picked up the gong for her role in The Queen.
He’s an accomplished filmmaker and someone who’s work I admire, so I was quite excited to chat to him. Unfortunately he wasn’t so excited to chat to me, as trying to get any sort of insightful or substantial response from Frears was like trying to get Miley Cyrus to wear pants. It’s not that he was rude outright, more that he was just abrupt and clearly uninterested in the whole interview process. Anywho, I will do my best to salvage a feature article from this, but here is my interview with Stephen Frears in full. Enjoy, I certainly didn’t.
Movie Mazzupial: Hi Stephen, it’s lovely to talk to you.
Stephen Frears: Are you all right up there?
MM: Yes, thanks. For once it’s just missed us and we’re staying dry today since it’s sunny.
SF: I don’t understand why it came through everywhere expect you.
MM: (Laughs) Definitely, we’re all feeling pretty lucky. Now you’re in Sydney at the moment after a screening of Tamara Drewe last night. Is this your first time in Australia?
SF: In Sydney, yes. It’s my first visit here (in Australia). I stayed with a friend on the coast and now I’m doing this work thing so I’m not really allowed to do the tourist things.
MM: Well, that’s a shame, I hope you get some time afterwards. Now, I loved the Posy Simmonds graphic novel, what was it about it that made you think `you know what, I want this to be my next film?’
SF: It was very funny and very fresh – not like everything else. I thought it would make a good film.
MM: There are some major differences in the film, like the decision to keep Jody alive, what made you opt for that lighter ending?
SF: Yes, I don’t know why she died in the end. I don’t know why she did that, it was inexplicable.
MM: It definitely makes a better film keeping her on in the end.
SF: Yes, I think so.
MM: And what a cast! Besides Gemma Arterton (above) leading the charge, you had Dominic Cooper, Tamsin Grieg, Jessica Barden who were all highlights. What was it like working with them?
SF: They’re all very, very good actors. British actors can do all sorts of that stuff.
MM: You’ve worked with some incredibly British actors, like Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen, as well as some great American actors like John Cusack and Michelle Pheiffer, no cast must seem like a big deal to you anymore?
SF: The real thing is when you work with actors who aren’t good. But most of the time, they’re incredible, incredible people.
MM: And Gemma Arterton, what made you think she was the perfect Tamara Drewe?
SF: It’s not just the combination of the actor and the character. She was also clearly gorgeous and very likable.
MM: The book has some strong messages about beauty on the outside not equating to happiness on the inside, is that something you made a conscious effort to get across in the film as well?
SF: I’m not sure I wanted to get any message across but when you say it like that it’s quite clear. It’s pretty obvious what goes on underneath is more interesting and not as beautiful as what’s on the surface.
MM: Now, it’s coming up to the Oscars next month. You’ve been nominated for a best director gong twice, do you think we’ll ever get to see you take one home?
SF: No. I doubt I ever will.
MM: Have you got any tips or ideas on who you think will win?
SF: Surely Colin will win. That’s what everyone seems to think. I’m not really too good at guessing those sorts of things.
MM: High Fidelity and The Queen are personal favourites of mine, do you have a favourite film of yours?
SF: A little Irish film called The Snapper.
MM: Now Michael Sheen (below) has played Tony Blair for you twice, what has that experience been like working with him?
SF: Well, he’s a very, very good actor and he’s a wonderful friend of mine now.
MM: You too must obviously have a shared passion for bringing significant British political moments to screen?
SF: Yes, that’s what those films are about.
MM: Now going back to movies, what are some of your all time favourites?
SF: How about you tell me yours?
MM: Really?
SF: Yes.
MM: No one ever asks me that. The New World by Terrence Malick, Brick by Rian Johnson, The Fifth Element, The Dark Knight, The Blob, Jaws, I really could go on forever.
SF: Well there you go, it’s all the same as yours really. If I asked you again in five minutes it would be a different list.
MM: So what are yours?
SF: Mine are the same as yours really except I’m older. The Third Man.
MM: Oh, I love that.
SF: Well, there you go.
MM: Great, well, thanks for talking to me Stephen.
SF: Right, don’t get caught in the rain.
Tamara Drewe opens February 3.
