Sean Bean Interview
Source:
IndieLondon
Outlaw - Sean Bean interview
Interview by Rob Carnevale
SEAN Bean talks about appearing in Nick Loves controversial Outlaw and
some of his views on Blairs Britain and its response to Iraq in particular
What initially attracted you to the project and did you enjoy working with
Nick Love?
I met Nick in a hotel about a year ago when the idea was still in his head.
There wasnt a script around. But Id seen his work and he was someone I
wanted to work with because hes very innovative and passionate about what
he does. Thats quite infectious and exciting for an actor, to work with someone
who doesnt pull his punches. By the time Id finished talking to him for about
two hours I wanted to be involved, even before Id read the script. When it
arrived three weeks later it was everything I expected it to be and more.
What do you think of the finished film?
Well, I think it has been a long time coming really. Its relevant to today and
people will be able to relate to it. Ive worked on stuff thats very formulaic.
Some of the big American films tend to pander to an audience and over explain
what a storys all about without allowing them to make up their own minds.
I think this hits you in the face. I saw it and was pretty shell-shocked by it.
It took a while for it to sink in but thats the mark of a good film.
Do you see the film as a direct criticism of Blairs Britain or of the law and
authority in general?
I think theres always been crime to one degree or another. Bur I certainly dont
think this government has helped that. I think by ignoring the people in terms
of going to war with Iraq which has created a lot more violence everywhere
in the world shows a degree of arrogance thats unacceptable. Its not made
the world a safer place.
We were all led a merry dance with that but we all know it was wrong now and
are trying to blame other people for it. I dont think that instills confidence or
pride in ones country. These guys are going over there and fighting a war thats
an unjust war but theyre doing their job and doing it the best they can. You
often find that they come back disillusioned and they dont have the support
that they did when they were sent out in the first place. None of that helps
with a sense of pride in our nation and I think somebody should take
responsibility for this. I think the film touches on that and asks that question.
Didnt you have your car stolen a while back?
[Laughs] About three years ago, yeah, but I wasnt that bothered. It was a
narrow street and the dustbin men kept coming pretty close by, so I was
beginning to think it was more trouble than its worth and then it got nicked.
They found it in Dubai and asked if I wanted it back but I had the insurance
money and got something else.
Did it inspire any similar feelings of resentment to those of your character
in the film?
It wasnt a particularly vicious incident. Its when youre talking about physical
brutality and intimidation that the problem occurs and why people tend to feel
that they should do something about it because theyve been let down or failed.
You work predominantly in the States but would you work here more if you
could get scripts of this quality? Or does it make more financial sense to work
in America, with bigger budgets?
Id definitely work here a lot more because these are relevant films that people
can relate to. They want information and they want to know. Unfortunately, its
so difficult to get things off the ground here for a small independent British film.
I think wed all agree that theyre the ones we want to be in because theyre
so gratifying and exciting to be involved in. But when you look around, theres
not that many being made.
Its also a question of money as well. These films are made on a lower budget,
so you dont get paid as much. I try and mix it a bit by going to Hollywood and
doing things like National Treasure and stuff like that. Its enjoyable but the
difference financially is so big. If we could make films over here and get paid
properly it would be a wonderful situation because there are so many stories to tell.
Do you enjoy getting away from Hollywood for a while then?
The good thing about being able to work on something like this is that youre
not pandering to a studio or overbearing producer. Nick allows you to really
push the boundaries and I think thats what we all want to do as actors.
Its what makes films exciting.
Nick has said that he was initially scared of Bob Hoskins reputation.
Youre also a big name, so do you find that directors sometimes pussy
foot around you?
Nick didnt [laughs]. But thats good, you dont want people to pussy foot
around you. Sometimes you do need to know which way youre going and
where you are in the story. Guidance is always helpful. Nick makes that
very clear in a very nice way.
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