Ewan McGregor joined Jonathan to chat about his role in Tim Burton's Big Fish. He plays the young Edward Bloom, a man with a taste for tall stories. Albert Finney stars as the older Edward, who has a tense relationship with his son (Billy Crudup). You can watch the interview using the links on the top right of the page (RealPlayer required).
Ewan, you've got to be one of the busiest actors around at the moment...
I had a very busy year last year, there's no question. I did Big Fish, Star Wars, and Stay, so I didn't stop last year, really. But I've had Christmas and New Year off and I don't have any plans to work until later this year.
Why did you choose to make Big Fish? Was it the director or the script that attracted you first?
It's difficult to say in this instance. You read the script but you know it's a Tim Burton movie... it's a beautiful script and a beautiful film. I found that I was just moved by it. The father/son relationship is of interest, because it's not often explored in movies.
Tim Burton has said the film spoke to him because he had recently lost his father. Did it strike a chord with you as well?
Yes, in a way. I didn't fall out with my dad, but I think we're closer now than we were when I was in my late teens. I think that's quite a natural thing - I think it gets you out of the house! A lot of people fall out with their parents and move out! And if we're lucky we can find them again - I have a great relationship with my mum and my dad. But there are chords in it, yes.
Tim Burton sent Danny DeVito a drawing of his character in preparation, did you get anything like that?
No... I think Tim was trying to find both people, me and Albert [Finney]. They didn't want to offer it to one but not the other. They had to find the package deal if you like. [As a director] he just knows when it is right. He sees when you've done the take and we move on. He doesn't waste a lot of time and I really like that.
You seem to be collecting some great directors. You've worked with Luhrmann, Burton, Greenaway... Do you have your eye on people you're really keen to work with?
No, I've never said, "Find out what that director's doing next." I've been very lucky because the scripts I have been interested in have been directed by great people. It's a lovely relationship between a director and an actor, when it works. I found that with Tim, and I would love to work with him again.
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