Movie Talk with Mark Strong
Description
British actor Mark Strong discusses his film Welcome to the Punch 2013 a British thriller, shot in London. Strong is very proud of the film, shot mainly at night and with a slick neon effect by director Eran Creevy who wanted to make a Michael Mann inspired British action film rather than a traditional gangster film. Strong's character is a gangster in exile, ' There is a lot of drama to have in that world, loyalty, betrayal and violence. Great fun to play, the trick is to try and make them human, if not likeable, then understood, then they become fascinating'. Strong discusses working with Colin Firth from the beginning of his career, working on several projects since. The first one being Fever Pitch 1997 as a huge Arsenal fan and growing up in Islington, Strong was delighted to be in this film featuring his favourite football club, written by Nick Hornby. Strong reflects on bringing in a photo of himself as a boy in an Arsenal kit to his recall with Hornby, he's convinced it sealed the deal for the job. Syriana 2005 Strong plays a third generation muslim living in America, Strong talks about his character and that 'he had to be frightening'. Body of Lies 2008 a film about the CIA and terrorism directed by Ridley Scott. Strong plays a character from Arabic dissent. He explains that although he could not identify with being Arabic, he could identify with being an Anglophile, as he comes from Italy but has lived his whole life in England. Strong goes on to talk about how he got noticed by Hollywood, it was through working with the directer Guy Ritchie on films such as Revolver, RocknRolla and Sherlock Holmes which in particular 'got his foot in the door with the studios - and suddenly was the go to bad guy!' Kick Ass 2010 clip is shown. Robin Hood 2010 Strong plays Godfrey an evil Frenchman, he talks about the film premiering at the Cannes Film Festival and being a little nervous of how his portrayal would go down with the French audience. He reflects on the many talented actors he has worked alongside, Crowe, De Caprio and Clooney, he is facinated by what they are like off camera and enjoys getting to know them and hearing their fascinating stories. Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy 2011 directed by Swedish filmmaker Tomas Alfredson. Strong thinks Alfredson being a European and being in charge of this very British classic was fascinating. The Director also wanted to re-create the 70's feel of Britain that he remembered from visiting as a child. Strong discusses his very unique and surreal direction notes, 'a wonderful environment to be in, very talented actors working at the top of their game, fascinating to be a part of it'. It Premiered at the glamorous Venice Film Festival, known to be a very critical and honest audience, the film went down well and received a very long standing ovation. John Carter 2012 a Sci Fi movie directed by Andrew Stanton the film suffered due to behind the scenes problems with marketing and management, Strong reflects on it having a mixed bag of feelings and responses to the film. Zero Dark Thirty 2012 is Kathryn Bigelow's controversial Oscar-nominated movie about the hunt for Bin Laden that was scrutinised for its politics. Strong talks about the political flack 'as a film, there is something really quite special but unfortunately it suffered from the one issue, there was discussion that the torture scenes and they were disputed.' Strong follows on by discussing his latest film who is making alongside Nicole Kidman and his friend Colin Firth titled Before I Go to Sleep based on the bestselling novel by S.J. Watson.