In conservation with Roger Michell
Description
Roger Michell is a British theatre and film director, he discusses the playwright Samuel Beckett whom he idolised since his university days and later getting to work and know him, he describes him as funny, charming and self-effacing. Persuasion 1995 is a period drama based on Jane Austen's book of the same name, Michell describes the book/film as complex, nostalgic and wistful, the film did well, especially in America. Titanic Town 1998 set in Belfast during The Troubles. Julie Walters stars as a housewife on a mission to create peace, Michell says the character was a 'hopeless idealist'. Notting Hill 1999 which was a huge success starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, Michell talks of the pressure for the film to be successful after Four Weddings and a Funeral. They sent Julia Roberts the script as a punt and were surprised when she responded and accepted the role. They debated on whether to build a set that looked like Portobello Road or to shoot in the actual street, in the end they chose the real location to capture it's true spirit, even though if you look closely - people walking by keep looking at the camera. Michell talks of how the two main stars really gelled and how Julia Roberts got on well the rest of the cast. Changing Lanes 2002 starring Ben Affleck and Samuel L Jackson was Michell's first Hollywood movie. Shot in New York, it focuses on social class and 'what is exposed after a catastrophe happens'. The Mother 2003 an award winning film about a taboo sexual relationship between an older woman played by Anne Reid and a younger man played by Daniel Craig. Michell discusses how his theatrical approach to filming goes down very well with American actors. Quantum of Solace was the Bond film Barbara Broccoli wanted Michell to direct, but due to script problems he walked away, he discusses his mixed feelings about not making the film. Venus 2016 from the same writers as Mother is discussed next. This is about an older man's relationship with a much younger girl. Michell states it wasn't about sex this time but longing, yearning and dying. It stars Peter O'Toole and Jodi Whittaker he describes the young actress as very brave and savvy, in her first film role acting alongside some great film veterans such as Lesley Phillips and Vanessa Redgrave. Morning Glory 2010, a comedy set in New York about American Breakfast news starring Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford. Michell discusses how well British directors go down in America because they are so well prepped for films and don't like to waste time. He likes to start shooting after an hour of getting to set, doesn't like chatting about scenes to anyone. He keeps working by filming big budget films in America and earning some decent money and then coming home to do a micro budget UK film, one reason being - to try and keep the British film industry going.