Movie Talk with Rhys Ifans
id: 3DD-01-0044
format: HD
Welsh actor Rhys Ifans discusses Under Milk Wood 2015 based on the radio drama by Dylan Thomas. He describes the Thomas piece as something 'that's in your orbit' if you are Welsh. He approached it 'like a banquet, a culinary experience, the language and illustration feels wonderfully relentless, like an addled lullaby'. Ifans talks about how the jazz like quality of the film is an apt musical nod to the very era Thomas was frequenting New York bars. Prior to the film, Ifans had performed a stage version of Under Milk Wood at The National Theatre in London, with an all Welsh cast, directed by Roger Michell. Notting Hill 1999 written by Richard Curtis and also directed by Roger Michell follows next. For Ifans this proved to be his big break out film and he reflects on working alongside Hugh Grant who he describes as 'a fantastic actor with sublime timing, a beautiful performer'. Ifans claims that following this he did find himself being type cast as the funny scruffy character, something he feels he's had to address throughout his career. The next film discussed is Enduring Love 2004 again directed by Roger Michell, Ifans is incredibly proud of this film. He describes in detail his horrific on screen death, filmed in almost 'balletic silence' at the beginning of the film the subsequent unravelling of his character. He goes on to talk about his co-star Daniel Craig who he knows very well from drama school and is also a big fan of his work, describing him as 'an extraordinary, generous, hard working actor'. The Boat That Rocked 2009 another project written by Richard Curtis had a sublime cast which included the great Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hoffman wanted Ifans to play a part in his forthcoming TV project Happyish 2015, they filmed the pilot and got the green light to make the series but Hoffman suddenly died, a tragic event Ifans describes as 'shocking'. Following this is Greenberg 2010 directed by Noah Baumbach. Ifans describes Baumbach as one of the best - a great New York director 'who you know you're in safe hands with'. Ifans explains that the director would let the scene play out and would delay cutting the take, giving time for Ifans and Ben Stiller to improvise. Following this is The Amazing Spiderman 2012 a big studio movie Ifans describes as 'more time, more money and more food'. He goes on to say he's happier on a smaller film set. A clip of Mr Nice 2010 is shown, Ifans plays the lead role of legendary drug smuggler Howard Marks. The last production discussed is Dominion 2016 in which Ifans portrays Dylan Thomas at his very worst during his last days in New York... 'mainly in a drunken stupor'.
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