DEVYN HOYLE

2002 July/August

What got you into acting?

TOMMY FLANAGAN (TF): I never thought for one moment in my life I would be an actor. I didn't ever consider it. It fell upon me. I'm best friends with Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting)... He had a theatre company in Glasgow (Raindog Theatre) and for many years he'd asking me "Why don't you join the theatre company?" I was always: "No, no, no, no".

Then I had this horrendous accident. After that happened to me, I thought: "You know what? I think I will give this a go." Six weeks later, I was on a stage, terrified. I suppose I got the bug. I was hooked. It just sort of continued from there. I did theatre for three years in Glasgow and different cities throughout the UK. And then “Braveheart” came to town, and I've been doing movies from then on.

What are the biggest differences you see between American and British trained actors?

TF: The auditioning process is very different. When you walk into an American audition; they're expecting "boom!" a character, a performance. Whereas, the UK, it's more relaxed - well, no, it's not more relaxed. It's a different kind of vibe. They want to see what you look like and stuff.

Do you see any difference in the style of acting?

TF: There is a huge style difference. For instance, I was doing a movie called “Strictly Sinatra” two years ago in Glasgow, directed by Peter Cappadli. I was playing a Scottish, gengster-type character.

I was doing one scene, and he called out to me, "Tommy, you're not in LA anymore! Stop the American acting!" I shouldn't be "acting." The American way is slower, methodical. And Scottish is more rapid-fire.

Who is your favourite director to work with?

TF: Mel Gibson (“Braveheart”). He was great to work with and it was just so relaxed. It was a really fun shoot to do - I think that's why the movie was so successful. All the directors I have worked with - Ridley Scott, as well. He's a gem of a guy. And some of the independent directors I have worked with have been great - like Craig Singer (“Dead Dogs Lie”).

You've worked in both independent and big budget - which version of film gives you more creative reign over your character?

TF: Independent. They'll let you do your own thing. In “Ratcatcher” (Lynne Ramsay) there was a lot of improvisation. A lot of that character came from my father, because that's the kind of father I had. The only difference being that my father deserted my mother with five kids. It was well received I think, because of the realism and was well shot. It wasn't the happiest tale of the world. That was my era of growing up. The young boy, William Eadie - that was the age I was right around that time.

Would you like to work more in Scottish films or American films?

TF: I love working in Scottish movies, I love working in British movies, and American movies. As long as I'm working I'm happy. And I would love to work more at home.

How was growing up in Glasgow affected your outlook on acting in Hollywood and its lifestyle?

TF: I think it's helped in a lot of ways, I've been very fortunate. I came from the streets of Glasgow and I made it to Hollywood, not many people can say that. I hate to go on film sets when you're with actors and they're like "Oh my god, I'm sick and tired of all this waiting around." Would you rather be digging ditches? I mean, enjoy, for God's sake, enjoy. It's great life. To have a job that you love doing, and being able to do it - how many people can say it? I realize how lucky I am.

You were also going to be in Russell Crowe's next film Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World.

TF: I was, but that was affected by the actor's strike. So it looks like I'm doing this movie called Rebels, filming this summer. I'm not a very pleasant character. I play a Scotsman - a tracker for the King of England who hunts down Americans...I've got the Americans hating me. The Scots will hate me. They're gonna hate me from all over the world - fantastic! Well done, Tommy. One of these days I'll get a nice guy role.

Is there a message you would like to give your fans?

TF: Just thank you. Thank you...thanks for watching the movies from the start. Thanks for actually considering me worthy of being someone to be a fan of. What would I say...? Just, thanks, thanks a lot. It's really flattering, and it's great to know that there are people out there rooting for you, and wanting you to do well.