Was it a very different experience working with a director who comes from a European, non-English language tradition?
Every director is different, the thing about Michael is that he is so very intelligent. Normally I’m put off if the director is very controlling or very precise about where I stand, what I touch, what I don’t touch, where I am in the frame.
The difference with Michael that I found as I was shooting it was unlike other directors I’ve worked with who are controlling he has a reason for everything.
There was never one time when I said ‘why?’ where it wasn’t something that he had thought about a million times and had a reason for.
It seems clear from the films you’ve done that you’re drawn to work that takes you out of a comfort zone, is that the case?
I do make things hard on myself. It’s a combination of things, one thing that my father installed in me is a pretty strong work ethic. So I respond well when I’m working hard, I feel good about myself if I’m doing that. So it’s that and also I enjoy working with artists in this business, with artistic people.
Is there no urge to sell out and see what that’s like?
Every day, man. Every day. It’s not just to see what it’s like, it’s about money. It’s difficult.
Is it possible to combine artistic integrity with commercial success?
It’s tricky, there’s no handbook, you’re really on your own path. Naomi’s been able to do it. I wonder how it’s going to end up, if I’m going to be able to achieve that or if I even want to. It’s tricky.
Funny Games is released 4th April