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Aidan Gillen is unequivocal about what attracted him to the role of Gus.

"The prospect of working with Dominic Savage – I'm a great admirer of his work. It was an intriguing idea, with interesting characters that are anything but straightforward."

The actor, who is perhaps best known to UK audiences for his ground-breaking role as Stuart Jones in Channel 4's Queer As Folk, takes the opportunity to explore the dark heart of his character.

"He's a successful banker who lives for his job, whilst at the same time being strangely lifeless. He's so detached from real life that it's no longer even about the money."

Something of a rich playboy, Gus is slow to comprehend the consequences of his actions but, as Aidan explains: "When it all comes crashing down, it really feels like the party's over."

Although the subject matter seems apt given the current financial climate, Aidan is quick to point out that there is more to Freefall than a simple zeitgeist piece.

"The film is set just before the crash, in 2006/2007. It doesn't need to be timely; it stands on its own. The story is layered, but the characters at the top and bottom have no direct contact. Ultimately, it's all about selling a dream – the things people want but don't necessarily need."

Known to an international audience for his portrayal of Tommy Carcetti in US hit series The Wire, Aidan relished the challenge of working with Dominic Savage and his distinctive, improvisational film-making style.

"For an actor, improvising is liberating. It's not easy, it doesn't always work, but if you're prepared to risk looking stupid it can be rewarding. It can result in great, spontaneous performances, but it depends what you bring to it. It is a very powerful way of making a film."

With many of Aidan's scenes taking place on a trading floor, one of the most challenging aspects was the financial jargon the character is required to spout.

"Some of the jargon scenes were scripted with the help of an advisor," he admits. "You would have to study for years to get it right first time."

As well as juggling the ups and downs of a fluctuating stock market, Gus also has what could tenuously be described as a relationship to contend with. Played by Rosamund Pike, Anna is Gus's co-worker and occasional love interest.

"It may seem like a superficial relationship," Aidan says, "but the characters are living it in two different ways. Rosamund brings fragility to the character, which she later turns on its head."

Perhaps Gus's real ally, at least when it suits him, is his colleague and friend, Gary. As Aidan explains, the two traders are brought together by their work.

"They are very close, almost telepathic. They have a strong but troubled relationship."

Gary is played by Riz Ahmed, and Aidan was impressed by his improvisational skills.

"He's a great actor, very open. He was great with the jargon in particular."

Asked if there are any similarities between the character of Gus and Aidan himself, the actor is philosophical.

"I'm not a materialistic person but realistically we all live the first world lifestyle. We're all part of the same system."