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How would you describe Duncan?

Duncan, like the film itself, comes in three different parts. In 1941, as an idealistic teenager, he is so disturbed by the prospect of a Nazi invasion that he plans to take his own life in a bid to bring attention to the futility of war; naive and full of ideas.

What is his relationship like with Dad and sister Viv?

1944 sees Duncan mid-way through a prison sentence and trying desperately to survive both prison and the guilt he is laden with from his connection to the death of his best friend. He is heavily burdened but tries his best to present a front to his visiting sister and father. A shadow of himself he's scared, lonely.

1947, war over and Duncan trying his best to move on in a world that is changing fast.

Duncan is imprisoned during the war, how do you think that shapes him as a person?

Duncan, like many characters in this film, is at war with himself whilst war rages all around him: a war within a war.

Duncan has an interesting friendship with prison warder Mr Mundy, can you explain how their relationship develops?

Mr Mundy, an elderly prison guard, represents a father figure to Duncan whilst in prison. He offers Duncan comfort, a shoulder to cry on and contraband cigarettes. Upon his release he offers his home and Duncan, needing somewhere to stay, moves in. Their relationship is complex and Mr Mundy's desire for intimacy takes Duncan further down the path of self loathing and alienation.

Only by leaving this household will Duncan be able to fully embrace who he is and indeed, his own future.

Did you do any research into the Second World War?

I was doing a play at the Royal Court with Kika Markham just before we started shooting. She lent me an incredible book about conscientious objectors, including case studies and letters written between her parents. Her father was imprisoned during the war for being a conscientious objector and I kept that book with me at all times.

Other research included interviews with people in prison during the war, and listening to a lot of music that related to the three different stages of the story.