Ten Questions with Peter Mullan

by

As a movie enthusiast with a penchant for British and American productions, I can confidently say that “After the Party” should be on everyone’s watchlist. This gripping drama, starring the multi-talented Peter Mullan, is a testament to his versatility as an actor, having worked on award-winning British series like “Mum” and hit US shows like “Ozark.

Add After the Party to your watchlist

Are you simply taking on roles that come your way, given your impressive resume with award-winning British dramas such as “Mum” and popular U.S. series like “Ozark,” and now having wrapped up shooting in New Zealand?

It’s ideal for me to work from home since I prefer being near my four children, but it doesn’t always work out. For six months, I was intermittently in New Zealand for “The Rings of Power” and “After the Party”, spending approximately five weeks on each. If the compensation is reasonable and the scripts are engaging, I’ll go wherever the opportunities lie!

As a Scot, you’re an outsider in After the Party. What was that like?

I was incredibly comfortable where I was. Many people there were originally from Scotland and Ireland, so our sense of humor and perspectives were similar. The team behind “The Rings of Power” were accommodating when I needed to take a break – I worked with them for six weeks and then returned immediately. Not every company would allow that kind of flexibility, but they did. They gave me the freedom to leave once my work was done.

Have you had the opportunity to collaborate with Robyn Malcolm on a project since your joint appearance in “Top of the Lake” on BBC2 back in 2013? Was there a desire for another shared endeavor?

Yes, but when she sent me an early draft of After the Party, I said no!

You can only do things for art if you’ve got money in the bank!

Why was that?

Initially, I found the concept promising, yet it fell short in terms of depth – it seemed to lack subtle nuances. I expressed my thoughts to Robyn. However, upon receiving her updated script, I saw its potential to be extraordinary. Often, shows that tackle heavy themes can become monotonous, truth be told. If the message overshadows the suspense, no matter how noble the intent, it becomes unengaging. What truly impressed me was its ability to keep me hooked for six episodes. Instead of a classic whodunnit, it transformed into a did-he-do-it? Mystery certainly adds an element of excitement to drama.

Are you fond of both grand productions such as The Rings of Power and Harry Potter, along with more intimate series?

Artistic endeavors require financial resources, but there are other motivations as well. For instance, I might take part in a project due to its economic benefits, or because I’m drawn to the storyline, the directors, and the cast. Or perhaps, I would participate for the sake of the children, allowing them to be on set with me.

While working on the set of “The Rings of Power”, have you ever found yourself pondering, “Why in the world am I here?” in regard to your dwarf makeup and props?

The most challenging aspect for everyone involved is working with the prosthetics. You find yourself awake at 3 am, yet you don’t report to set until 7:30 am. By mid-morning, you’ve already completed a full day’s work, while others are just beginning. Despite spending only an hour acting per day, it’s both mentally and physically taxing. It’s quite peculiar how it affects your mindset. You begin to feel somewhat confined or anxious due to the prosthetics.

Is British television tackling the authentic portrayal of working-class individuals in dramas effectively? Are we seeing substantial advancements?

Regrettably, we’re not currently producing any significant Scottish working-class dramas, especially compared to recent years. There aren’t many good ones that have been made in the last decade, and it seems that BBC Scotland is neglecting Scottish history, the Scottish experience, and the lives of Scots. In fact, there isn’t a series equivalent to “Happy Valley” for the Scots, and I believe they deserve one.

Is anything changing behind the scenes?

Progress isn’t happening at the pace it ought to be. It requires determination for change to occur. Unfortunately, there is a lack of training opportunities to help working-class youth enter the film and television industry. Often, success depends on who you know or nepotism. While this is common in many industries, it seems more prevalent in film and television.

How certain are you that the newly established administration has the ability to tackle this issue? Are they prepared to allocate resources towards nurturing creativity in the arts?

I certainly hope that’s the case! I’m supporting the SNP. Labour has pledged to do so, so I encourage my fellow English supporters to apply pressure on the government to keep their promise. We’ll also be urging the Scottish government to maintain funding for film, television, and particularly theatre, to prevent any budget cuts.

In your humble beginnings as an actor from a working-class background, what’s one way you could give back to the community that helped shape you?

As a performer, not much is within your control aside from voicing your opinions about it. In contrast, directing offers more possibilities. My latest directorial venture, “Neds“, was released in 2010, and I’m eager to return to the role. I am committed to ensuring fair representation of working-class individuals both men and women on set. I wouldn’t exclude an actor based on their upper-class background, but I do aim for a more diverse cast.

Read More

2024-11-15 22:35