David Morrissey's Festival Thoughts

21 Oct 2009

The actor-director answers some quick-fire questions.

The multi-talented David Morrissey will be joining us on Closing Night as star of the eagerly-awaited Nowhere Boy. Before that though, he'll be unveiling his directorial debut Don't Worry About Me, which receives its world premiere at the Festival this Saturday.

I'm attending this year's Festival... as I do every year if I'm here in London.

My time will be spent... doing some publicity for the screenings. Also trying to catch as many films as possible. I'm especially looking forward to seeing The Road, Bright Star and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

You really should see my film... because it will be the first chance to see two new acting talents, Helen Elizabeth and Jamie Brough. They also co-wrote the screenplay with me, adapted from their own play.

The first thing that springs to mind when I think of London... is my home. Although I'm not a native and grew up in Liverpool, (which is the setting for both my films at the LFF this year), I've lived in London longer than anywhere else during my life. However, my son, who has a cockney accent, supports Liverpool FC so I've not totally cut all my ties with the north.

The best thing about film festivals... in general, is seeing films that you wouldn't ordinarily see. Either foreign language films or films that may struggle to get a wide distribution due to lack of names or whatever.

The worst thing about (some) film festivals... is the bun fight that surrounds some screenings and after show parties. Some parties seem to have more excitement than the films and it's such a pain...especially when I can't get a ticket for the really fun ones.

If I could sit next to anyone during a festival screening... it would have to be anyone not associated with the film I'm watching. I've sat next to directors and actors, producers and editors as their film is being screened and it's like sitting next to someone in an electric chair; at key points in the film they're turning around, looking at peoples' reactions. It's torture.

The last film I saw was... Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1. I thought Vincent Cassel was wonderful in it. He's an actor I really admire and has such an extraordinary screen presence.

The best film I've seen this year is... Let The Right One In. A brilliant love story that is both moving, funny and terrifying in equal measure. A masterpiece, in my opinion.

If I wasn't visiting the Festival I'd be spending my time... writing and trying to raise money for my next film.

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