File 4 - Ewan McGregor

1 audio cassette tape, 2 WAV files (652.7 MB and 528 MB)

Audio recording of an interview with actor Ewen McGregor in front of a live audience undertaken as part of the Guardian sponsored National Film Theatre Guardian interview series.

The recording begins with Adrian Wootton of the British Film Institute introducing the event and a number of film clips showcasing McGregor's work. Wooton proceeds to put questions to McGregor. The recording takes the form of a question and answer session with members of the audience from 8.18 on track 2.

A summary of topics discussed is included below.

Track 1:
00.00 Introductions and film clipp
16:05 Motivations for pursuing acting as a child
19:07 Start of his acting career
22:29 Working with Dennis Potter and his influence
29:38 Relationship with Danny Boyle
38:17 Relationship with Baz Luhrmann
41:15 His opinion on singing for roles
45:01 Approaching real-life character roles differently
48:38 His production company Natural Nylon
53:44 His views on moving into directing

Track 2:
00:36 Being involved in Star Wars
09:03 Venturing into romantic comedy films
14:00 Returning to his role in Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge
15:47 His views on doing more theatre work
20:24 Benefits of directors having acting experience
21:25 Advice to a theatre student today
23:50 Trainspotting being his most enjoyable film
26:00 What does he look for in a script
28:04 Working with Peter Greenaway
32:08 The balance between work and fatherhood
33:49 Dealing with fanatical science-fiction fans
36:08 Actors that he's worked with inspiring him
37:57 The Beach and the possibility of working with Danny Boyle again
39:18 Possibility of working with Jodie Foster
41:32 Playwrights and theatre experiences that impressed him
43:17 Revealing the book that he wants to make a film out of
44:05 Best advice to give to an actor
45:59 Seeing himself on screen at 50
47:08 Introducing his new film Young Adam.

Films mentioned in the interview: Lipstick On Your Collar; Shallow Grave; Moulin Rouge; A Life Less Ordinary; Trainspotting; The Beach; Velvet Goldmine; Nora; Emma; Serpent's Kiss; Eye of the Beholder; Star Wars; Young Adam and The Pillow Book.

Creator: British Film Institute (BFI), 1933-

Creator: Guardian News & Media Ltd, 1967-

Access to recording via GNM Digital Repository