Ewan McGregor: “I use my instinct when I act”

Ewan McGregor was discovered in the mid Nineties by the British film-maker, Danny Boyle (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting). The Scottish actor has built himself a reputation as a chameleon actor thanks to his work with the greatest film directors. He is currently developing his talent with blockbusters, experimental films and TV series. Interview with an enthusiast.

 

Which films left a mark on your childhood?

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) was probably one of the first films I went to see at the cinema. I also remember The Wizard of Oz, which used to be shown on television on Christmas Day, quite clearly. We used to watch it every year as a family, it became a kind of tradition.

 

 

Why did you want to work in films?

I developed a love for cinema at a very early age, through plays for children. As a small boy, my parents would take me to see pantomimes every year, those crazy slapstick comedies, full of British humour, traditionally put on during the Christmas holidays. That is where I discovered the job as actor. Those shows triggered it off for me.

 

 

What do you like about being an actor?

As far as I’m concerned, acting is like expressing yourself, bringing your thoughts to life. A painter does this with his paintings, a musician with his songs. Acting is a very instinctive art form – I use my instinct when I act.

 

 

Of the man and the actor, which one has the most influence over the other?

Both of them have had the same amount of influence up to now. The way an actor plays out a role or handles a scene is influenced by his experiences of life and his imagination, nourished by books, music, art or theatre.

 

 

 

Have you ever been tempted to step the other side of the camera, and direct films?

This is something that I’m seriously considering. I directed a short film some years ago, and ever since then, my desire to do this has become more and more insistent. Seeing all these films makes me want to take the plunge even more. However, I think that it is really important to find the right story to tell for one’s first film, before starting. This reasoning must take precedence over the desire to direct a film. I recently unearthed a good story but I found out that someone else had already had the same idea. So, I’m still looking for an interesting story. I’m going to take my time over that.

 

 

You are a real music fan. Do you think that music should be used more than it already is in films?

Not necessarily. Since the Festival began, I have seen films with a lot of music in them, and other films where there is none. This can give incredible results. The role of music in entertainment films is often too significant. I think that it is a device used by film directors when they have been unable to create a scene with a soul.

 

Interview directed by BP

 

In a video interview directed on Tuesday 15th May, during the dinner held for the Feature Films Jury, Ewan McGregor talks about his role as Jury member: