My Name is Joe (1998)

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Ken Loach: This was the first of the three films that Paul Laverty and I are hoping to do in Glasgow, and it was about the relationship between an alcoholic who has stopped drinking and a social worker who is scared that her personal life will overwhelm her professional work.

This picture captures how vividly Peter Mullan and Louise Goodall brought the relationship to life. Peter brought out the despair and crazy humour of Joe.

"More than any other director he makes actors confident and comfortable and this is the single most important thing in getting a good performance. He manages to keep the cinematic machine away from actors so that they can concentrate on the moment. It is embarrassing how much fun it was to make My Name is Joe, especially as the film itself it considered to be dark. The fun came from Ken himself and the ensemble of people he brought together for this film. It was not at all heart wrenching to make."

Peter Mullan 'Joe', My Name is Joe