Movie Talk with Aidan Gillen
Description
Irish actor Aidan Gillen discusses his film Still 2014 and his ‘stripped back’ and vulnerable performance as a photographer on a downward spiral following his son's death. Gillen talks about working with a first time director and choosing the indie film because it focused primarily on his character. Gillen then talks about working consistently since he was 19, revealing that his first paid acting job was in the film The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne 1987 starring Dame Maggie Smith, he tells a funny story of how Smith introduced herself to him, 'a true ice-breaker.' Queer As Folk 1999-2000 was a breakthrough drama for everyone involved in the TV series, nothing had been seen like this before, the narrative focusing on a group of gay friends - set in Manchester. The next project discussed is Mojo 1997 his favourite film he has been involved in, written by Jez Butterworth with a great cast, it was a ‘super charged production’. The Low Down 2000 was his first film with director Jamie Thraves who Gillen then went on to collaborate with on his next film Treacle Jr. 2010 an award winning, less mainstream film. The Wire 2004-2008 clip is shown. Gillen now discusses Game Of Thrones 2011-2015 saying his character is very political and actually based on Peter Mandelson. Gillen talks about the production being set in Belfast and the positive associated aspects for area especially considering the troubled times of the past. Gillen then talks about Shadow Dancer 2012 which is a drama based around The Troubles in Northern Ireland, Gillen talks about the drama being at the right time, he'd previously turned down similarly themed dramas, but considered this particular script to be more balanced and less judgemental. Calvery 2014 a dark, drama comedy, a clip is shown. Gillen closes by discussing Batman The Dark Knight Rises 2012 he describes shooting a scene in an aeroplane and how loud and dangerous it was. He goes on to talk about his lifestyle and how much he enjoys the ‘random nature’ of it as he doesn't like to plan.