Ten Questions with Sir Steve McQueen

As a fan who has been captivated by Sir Steve McQueen‘s masterful storytelling for years, it is truly exhilarating to witness his latest cinematic venture, Blitz, unfold on the big screen. Growing up in Ealing, television was not just a source of entertainment for him but an essential tool for education and exploration. His fascination with filmmaking was as elusive as a chameleon, constantly shifting between art and cinema, until he found his true calling.

Blitz is in cinemas from Friday. Add it to your watchlist.

In a new film titled “Blitz,” renowned British director Sir Steve McQueen (age 55) delves back into history, with the story unfolding during the intense bombing raids on Britain in 1940. The movie centers around Rita, played by Saoirse Ronan, who works in a factory in London. Her son George is evacuated from the city amidst the chaos.

Was television a big influence on you growing up?

In the town of Ealing where I was raised, television was always playing, just like a constant fireplace. This was my means of education, from wildlife and documentary shows to “Play for Today” – it all made up my educational library. To me, British TV served as an extensive collection of knowledge as I grew up.

Did you always want to be a film-maker?

Initially, during my time at an art school, I harbored a desire to attend film school instead. Conversely, while studying film at NYU in 1993, I found myself yearning for the challenges of the art world. However, my feelings were rather indecisive; I was caught between two passions. The film school experience left me dissatisfied, as I only managed to attend due to a scholarship and living with my uncle in Brooklyn. After just three months, I returned to England, opting for self-expression over the structured environment of formal education. Art held a greater allure for me because it presented a more demanding creative landscape.

What is it you now love so much about film-making?

Just as being part of a band requires dedication, sweat, and the occasional setback, so does creating films. It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges, unexpected hiccups, and moments of pure joy. Yet, the rewards are worth every bit of effort put in. The journey isn’t always smooth sailing, but the results make it all worthwhile!

My parents came over to help rebuild Britain after the war

What inspired you to make Blitz?

Living as a Londoner has given me a unique perspective, as I’ve witnessed the transformation of the city, with remnants of war-torn structures giving way to new constructions. Over time, these stories unfold: what once stood, what was missing, and what now takes its place. My life would not have led me to this conversation today if it wasn’t for my parents deciding to migrate from Grenada and Barbados to assist in Britain’s post-war reconstruction. Our lives are all shaped by the echoes of past conflicts, a common thread that binds us all.

You have first-hand experience of war — did you draw on that?

In 2003, I functioned as a war artist in Iraq, and one of the most intriguing aspects was encountering folks from diverse corners of Britain: Newcastle, Swansea, Sunderland, Glasgow. Their unique voices remain etched in my memory, along with the strong sense of camaraderie. It was the initial time I felt a stirring of patriotism, interacting with these individuals – those often overlooked by the spotlight, who were on the ground. This same fascination is what draws me to World War Two as well, particularly the ordinary people who navigated their way through the tumultuous period known as “the Blitz”.

Like the women who made the bombs?

On one particularly memorable day on a film set, I had the privilege of capturing a scene involving 450 women in a machinery room. Historically, it was women who manufactured the bombs, yet this aspect is often overlooked due to the male-dominated nature of movie sets, particularly those dominated by white males. However, on that extraordinary day, the set was teeming with numerous women, and I felt truly humbled to provide them an opportunity to showcase the significant roles women played during that era. Their stories deserved to be highlighted, and it was a profound experience to be part of such an empowering moment.

Your lead actor in Blitz is Saoirse Ronan — what’s she like?

You believe her. She just goes straight into the heart of things, and you’re there with her. She is Rita – and it’s beautiful to experience. I said this before about Michael Fassbender [who McQueen worked with on Hunger, Shame and 12 Years a Slave], but I’ll say it about Saoirse, too – she’s interesting even if she’s eating cornflakes.

In the previous year, you created a documentary titled “Occupied City,” focusing on Amsterdam during World War II, inspired by your wife Bianca Stigter’s book. Does this connection have any impact on your latest project, Blitz?

Absolutely – they’re centered around everyday individuals facing these circumstances, not the military. These settings hold a deep personal connection for me as I reside in Amsterdam now and was raised in London.

Was London a source of inspiration for your BBC anthology series Small Axe as well? Can you discuss how creating content for television differs from working in cinema?

The remarkable aspect of “Small Axe” was its global reach. While I’ve been privileged to have film premieres in Cannes, Venice, Toronto, and Telluride, the television premiere of “Small Axe” stood out exceptionally. It was almost surreal. There was something breathtaking about everyone having an opportunity to watch it. Yet, I remain a cinema enthusiast at heart.

Back in 2020, you were knighted. What did that mean to you?

Receiving such a prestigious award for your country is indeed an honor, but the real value lies in what you do with it. As James Brown would put it, “Use what you’ve got to get what you want.” Essentially, this accolade is more about its impact and how you utilize it, rather than just having it as a title. To me, if you’re going to have it, use it to help others and bring about positive changes.

2024-10-29 22:35

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