ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

Still only 26, Samantha Morton is one of the most talented and fiercely independent British actors of her generation. Oscar-nominated in 2000 for Woody Allen's Sweet And Lowdown, she's been critically acclaimed in both big budget Hollywood films (Minority Report) and arthouse fare (Morvern Callar). Now she's in the family way for Jim Sheridan's In America.

Your character, Sarah, is based on director Jim Sheridan's wife. Was it difficult to play a real person?

I was petrified at the thought of playing somebody that's alive, I just couldn't get my head round it. I was guided by [Jim Sheridan] and instinct and faith. But it's not about "I'm watching this person to be her". The script was written so well, like an amazing book that haunts you. And perhaps my instinct as a mother, I can interpret life a little bit... I feel things so much.

What was it like playing a mother on film? Did you take the role home with you?

I think once you're a mother to one, you're a mother to them all. You can't fight that in you. But could I put the role down? I tell you what, I have to say of all the films I've ever done this was the most personal, in regards to art imitating life. Not realising it at the time, but on reflection, realising how much it affected the way I live my life. At that point my daughter was quite young and I'd taken a year off for the first year, and then did four films in a row, brilliant films, and the last one was In America. At the end of In America, I realised the most important thing is family and love, and making my own family. So I did take it home with me and it changed my life on a personal level.

How was your relationship with the girls who play your kids, Sarah and Emma Bolger?

I hope the children liked me, I loved them immensely, but whereas with Paddy [Considine, who plays her husband] they were like "Yeah!", there were cuddles, I became like "How many packets of crisps have you had!" I remember one day looking at Paddy [playing with the kids on set] and he had one girl on one leg and another on an arm, and I was sitting there going, "You're going to have an accident!" Without realising it, you've actually become a ready-made family, like pot noodles - put the hot water in and it's there.

How would you describe working with Jim Sheridan?

I'm 26 and I've been in films since I was 12, but I've never been on any film set, or with another director [like this]. It's about feeling what you're feeling, and going through it with you. To be able to fine-tune it, it's like a conductor or composer. I think that's a gift, isn't it? It was an incredible experience.

In America is released in UK cinemas on Friday 31st October 2003.