How was it working in Canada's Rocky Mountains?
Climate movies are really good for any actor because no acting is required. If you're doing a scene where it's supposed to be raining, it really helps when it is. The tough ones are when you jump into a loch and pretend it's lovely when it's freezing! The only problem I found at the end of the first day was that I had these period shoes with leather soles and out of nowhere the pain in my hands and feet was just unbelievable. It was that aching cold and it had crept up on me. I hadn't noticed. Up until then I was fine.
Did you enjoy working as part of an ensemble cast?
We had a great time. The thing I loved about it was the cast. We all got on really well. Nobody had a trailer. We all had these little horse boxes. We were all on the same money, so there was none of the usual ego bollocks. I think most actors will put up with physical discomfort, if they're around good people. The worst thing is when you wake up and you really don't want to face somebody on a set. That's painful. Really, really painful.
Do you think your character is doomed from the start?
I think that's his tragedy. His fate is sealed. It's just a question of when. Essentially, he's an OK guy who took the wrong path. It's a very Catholic story. In order to salvage your soul, it's going to cost you a life.
Read an interview with Michael Winterbottom, director of "The Claim".
Read a review of "The Claim".
