In Conversation With James Nesbitt The Arts Show

This programme contains strong language and scenes which some

language and scenes which some James Nesbitt is one of Northern

James Nesbitt is one of Northern Ireland's best-known actors. Agenda

Ireland's best-known actors. Agenda Ireland's best-known actors. Agenda

and a leading man. Raised in and a leading man. Raised in

and a leading man. Raised in Broughshane in County Antrim, his

Broughshane in County Antrim, his Broughshane in County Antrim, his

name provides plenty of star power name provides plenty of star power

name provides plenty of star power to fuel hit drama series from

to fuel hit drama series from Jekyll... Occupation... And Munro...

Jekyll... Occupation... And Munro... Jekyll... Occupation... And Munro...

He has appeared in films by He has appeared in films by

He has appeared in films by renowned directors such as Michael

renowned directors such as Michael Winterbottom, Paul Greengrass.

Winterbottom, Paul Greengrass. James Nesbitt is instantly

James Nesbitt is instantly James Nesbitt is instantly

recognisable but he is constantly recognisable but he is constantly

challenging himself by choosing challenging himself by choosing

diverse roles and complex diverse roles and complex

diverse roles and complex characters. From the charming at an

characters. From the charming at an characters. From the charming at an

in Cold Feet... To an aggressive in Cold Feet... To an aggressive

in Cold Feet... To an aggressive undercover cop in Murphy's Law. We

undercover cop in Murphy's Law. We undercover cop in Murphy's Law. We

filmed James Nesbitt in Coleraine filmed James Nesbitt in Coleraine

filmed James Nesbitt in Coleraine filmed James Nesbitt in Coleraine

when he was there in Israel as when he was there in Israel as

when he was there in Israel as Chancellor of the University of

Chancellor of the University of Chancellor of the University of

Chancellor of the University of Ulster and he revealed how much he

Ulster and he revealed how much he Ulster and he revealed how much he

misses Northern Ireland by not year. misses Northern Ireland by not year.

misses Northern Ireland by not year. misses Northern Ireland by not year.

His work now takes him around the His work now takes him around the

His work now takes him around the His work now takes him around the

world and he is best known to a world and he is best known to a

world and he is best known to a world and he is best known to a

global audience as a dwarf in Peter global audience as a dwarf in Peter

global audience as a dwarf in Peter Jackson's epic prequel to the Lord

Jackson's epic prequel to the Lord Jackson's epic prequel to the Lord

Of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit. Of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit.

Of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit. Incineration? I will melt the flesh

Incineration? I will melt the flesh Incineration? I will melt the flesh

Incineration? I will melt the flesh off your bones. I feel faint. I

off your bones. I feel faint. I off your bones. I feel faint. I

need some air. Flash of light, need some air. Flash of light,

need some air. Flash of light, searing pain. And you're nothing

searing pain. And you're nothing searing pain. And you're nothing

searing pain. And you're nothing more than a pile of ash. What was

more than a pile of ash. What was more than a pile of ash. What was

more than a pile of ash. What was that like? Yes, I am delighted to

that like? Yes, I am delighted to that like? Yes, I am delighted to

that like? Yes, I am delighted to say he is Northern Irish, touch of

say he is Northern Irish, touch of say he is Northern Irish, touch of

Ballymena. Of course, the epic Ballymena. Of course, the epic

Ballymena. Of course, the epic nature was incredible, nothing can

nature was incredible, nothing can nature was incredible, nothing can

nature was incredible, nothing can prepare you for this. It they have

prepare you for this. It they have prepare you for this. It they have

prepare you for this. It they have created such a look at the Zurich,

created such a look at the Zurich, created such a look at the Zurich,

created such a look at the Zurich, it is going to blow people away.

it is going to blow people away. it is going to blow people away.

Brilliant to work with Peter, an Brilliant to work with Peter, an

incredibly down-to-earth genius. incredibly down-to-earth genius.

incredibly down-to-earth genius. Down to Middle Earth. And an

Down to Middle Earth. And an Down to Middle Earth. And an

incredible cast, Ian McKellen, 73, incredible cast, Ian McKellen, 73,

incredible cast, Ian McKellen, 73, incredible cast, Ian McKellen, 73,

the best education I could have had. the best education I could have had.

the best education I could have had. the best education I could have had.

At an important time, as I myself At an important time, as I myself

At an important time, as I myself At an important time, as I myself

am heading into the edge of middle am heading into the edge of middle

am heading into the edge of middle am heading into the edge of middle

age. Just to see him so dedicated age. Just to see him so dedicated

age. Just to see him so dedicated age. Just to see him so dedicated

to his craft. To see the discipline to his craft. To see the discipline

to his craft. To see the discipline and the inventiveness and it was

and the inventiveness and it was and the inventiveness and it was

just wonderful and he was an just wonderful and he was an

inspiration. And Cate Blanchett, inspiration. And Cate Blanchett,

inspiration. And Cate Blanchett, inspiration. And Cate Blanchett,

many of them... What about Lego?I many of them... What about Lego?I

many of them... What about Lego?I many of them... What about Lego?I

was never into this. But I love was never into this. But I love

was never into this. But I love these children, taking off my hat

these children, taking off my hat these children, taking off my hat

these children, taking off my hat and this going up the noses of

and this going up the noses of and this going up the noses of

children around the world. And children around the world. And

children around the world. And history will show, if interested,

history will show, if interested, history will show, if interested,

history will show, if interested, history will show, if interested,

but I was one of the awards in The but I was one of the awards in The

but I was one of the awards in The Hobbit. We are in a television

Hobbit. We are in a television Hobbit. We are in a television

studio at the University of Ulster studio at the University of Ulster

studio at the University of Ulster in Coleraine and you are the

in Coleraine and you are the in Coleraine and you are the

Chancellor, pretty fancy? I come Chancellor, pretty fancy? I come

Chancellor, pretty fancy? I come from a background in education and

from a background in education and from a background in education and

it is something I take seriously it is something I take seriously

it is something I take seriously it is something I take seriously

and I have been on a whistle-stop and I have been on a whistle-stop

tour, seeing the incredible tour, seeing the incredible

tour, seeing the incredible research and teaching. When I come

research and teaching. When I come research and teaching. When I come

here, everybody calls me Chancellor. here, everybody calls me Chancellor.

here, everybody calls me Chancellor. I think they're calling me to

I think they're calling me to I think they're calling me to

answer! -- chances. James was answer! -- chances. James was

answer! -- chances. James was raised in Broughshane in the hard-

raised in Broughshane in the hard- working heartland of northern

working heartland of northern working heartland of northern

Ireland. His family moved to Ireland. His family moved to

Ireland. His family moved to Ireland. His family moved to

Cumbrian and at 14 he made his Cumbrian and at 14 he made his

Cumbrian and at 14 he made his first appearance on stage in all

first appearance on stage in all first appearance on stage in all

over at the Riverside Theatre. over at the Riverside Theatre.

over at the Riverside Theatre. played the part of the artful

played the part of the artful played the part of the artful

played the part of the artful Dodger. Why am I not surprised?For

Dodger. Why am I not surprised?For Dodger. Why am I not surprised?For

Dodger. Why am I not surprised?For it was a great production. And Mark

it was a great production. And Mark it was a great production. And Mark

Carruthers was Oliver Twist. Why am Carruthers was Oliver Twist. Why am

Carruthers was Oliver Twist. Why am Carruthers was Oliver Twist. Why am

I not surprised? At that stage it I not surprised? At that stage it

I not surprised? At that stage it I not surprised? At that stage it

was a good way of getting off was a good way of getting off

was a good way of getting off school but in retrospect, it opened

school but in retrospect, it opened school but in retrospect, it opened

school but in retrospect, it opened what turned out to be quite an

what turned out to be quite an what turned out to be quite an

important and magical door for me. important and magical door for me.

Enter something that would Enter something that would

Enter something that would eventually become my vocation but

eventually become my vocation but eventually become my vocation but

eventually become my vocation but it just felt... Like coming home at

it just felt... Like coming home at it just felt... Like coming home at

it just felt... Like coming home at an early stage. And all that jazz!

an early stage. And all that jazz! an early stage. And all that jazz!

Good posture! Oh, God! Gorgeous Good posture! Oh, God! Gorgeous

Good posture! Oh, God! Gorgeous Good posture! Oh, God! Gorgeous

young boy, 16 years old. But you young boy, 16 years old. But you

young boy, 16 years old. But you young boy, 16 years old. But you

can see that sparkle in Your eyes. can see that sparkle in Your eyes.

can see that sparkle in Your eyes. You can see him absolutely loving

You can see him absolutely loving You can see him absolutely loving

the camera and the camera loving the camera and the camera loving

the camera and the camera loving the camera and the camera loving

him. That was not a bad song. It's him. That was not a bad song. It's

him. That was not a bad song. It's interesting to see that we were

interesting to see that we were learning the craft, learning

learning the craft, learning learning the craft, learning

different skills. And that is different skills. And that is

different skills. And that is different skills. And that is

really, I have tried to hold on to really, I have tried to hold on to

really, I have tried to hold on to that. Still learning. Postal order?

that. Still learning. Postal order? that. Still learning. Postal order?

that. Still learning. Postal order? Yes. Cash? I suggest cash was the

Yes. Cash? I suggest cash was the Yes. Cash? I suggest cash was the

truth. They in his mid-teens, James truth. They in his mid-teens, James

truth. They in his mid-teens, James truth. They in his mid-teens, James

saw an old film on television. The saw an old film on television. The

saw an old film on television. The Winslow Boy. And its star give

Winslow Boy. And its star give Winslow Boy. And its star give

Adams of the possibilities that Adams of the possibilities that

Adams of the possibilities that acting offered in this pivotal

acting offered in this pivotal acting offered in this pivotal

scene. I was absolutely captivated scene. I was absolutely captivated

scene. I was absolutely captivated and remember seeing this for the

and remember seeing this for the and remember seeing this for the

first time, this was something that first time, this was something that

first time, this was something that first time, this was something that

I was seduced by. The ability to I was seduced by. The ability to

I was seduced by. The ability to have the authority, to be truthful

have the authority, to be truthful playing this real-life character.

playing this real-life character. playing this real-life character.

Based on Edward Carson, who Based on Edward Carson, who

Based on Edward Carson, who defended this young boy. He was

defended this young boy. He was defended this young boy. He was

accused of stealing. But his accused of stealing. But his

accused of stealing. But his performance, I just remember as

performance, I just remember as performance, I just remember as

performance, I just remember as being something that I wanted to be

being something that I wanted to be being something that I wanted to be

being something that I wanted to be part of but I was struck by the

part of but I was struck by the part of but I was struck by the

part of but I was struck by the power of the film. I could see the

power of the film. I could see the power of the film. I could see the

power of writing. And film. And power of writing. And film. And

power of writing. And film. And performance. The time has come to

performance. The time has come to performance. The time has come to

undo some of that mystery... By undo some of that mystery... By

undo some of that mystery... By confessing that you are a forger,

confessing that you are a forger, confessing that you are a forger,

confessing that you are a forger, confessing that you are a forger,

liar and a thief. I do not do it. liar and a thief. I do not do it.

liar and a thief. I do not do it. liar and a thief. I do not do it.

There was a major hurdle that James There was a major hurdle that James

There was a major hurdle that James There was a major hurdle that James

had to overcome. A came from a had to overcome. A came from a

had to overcome. A came from a family of teachers. By father and

family of teachers. By father and family of teachers. By father and

my three sisters. Back career in my three sisters. Back career in

my three sisters. Back career in theatre would have been frowned

theatre would have been frowned theatre would have been frowned

upon so I believed subconsciously upon so I believed subconsciously

upon so I believed subconsciously that. I started my degree in

that. I started my degree in that. I started my degree in

Jordanstown, with the idea of Jordanstown, with the idea of

Jordanstown, with the idea of Jordanstown, with the idea of

becoming a French teacher but I was becoming a French teacher but I was

becoming a French teacher but I was very rarely coming to college, I

very rarely coming to college, I very rarely coming to college, I

very rarely coming to college, I had about Equity card, which I got

had about Equity card, which I got had about Equity card, which I got

had about Equity card, which I got at the Riverside Theatre and I was

at the Riverside Theatre and I was at the Riverside Theatre and I was

working with the Ulster actors at working with the Ulster actors at

working with the Ulster actors at the Arts Theatre and eventually I

the Arts Theatre and eventually I the Arts Theatre and eventually I

decided that I just could not decided that I just could not

decided that I just could not decided that I just could not

resist the calling. It was like a resist the calling. It was like a

resist the calling. It was like a resist the calling. It was like a

vocation? It was, but I was not vocation? It was, but I was not

vocation? It was, but I was not vocation? It was, but I was not

addressing this as such but I could addressing this as such but I could

addressing this as such but I could addressing this as such but I could

not... I just couldn't go on. Very not... I just couldn't go on. Very

not... I just couldn't go on. Very courageously, I bought my sister in

courageously, I bought my sister in courageously, I bought my sister in

courageously, I bought my sister in the morning and told them during my

the morning and told them during my the morning and told them during my

the morning and told them during my parents and tell them that I was

parents and tell them that I was parents and tell them that I was

giving up. A response?My mother giving up. A response?My mother

giving up. A response?My mother giving up. A response?My mother

was horrified. They came up to see was horrified. They came up to see

was horrified. They came up to see was horrified. They came up to see

me in Belfast and my mother sat in me in Belfast and my mother sat in

me in Belfast and my mother sat in me in Belfast and my mother sat in

the car. I said to my father, I the car. I said to my father, I

the car. I said to my father, I the car. I said to my father, I

the car. I said to my father, I wanted to give it a shot and he was

wanted to give it a shot and he was brilliant. Incredibly supportive. I

brilliant. Incredibly supportive. I brilliant. Incredibly supportive. I

brilliant. Incredibly supportive. I was the only boy and the baby but

was the only boy and the baby but was the only boy and the baby but

was the only boy and the baby but he said OK. The 43 years, James

he said OK. The 43 years, James he said OK. The 43 years, James

studied at the Central School of studied at the Central School of

studied at the Central School of studied at the Central School of

Speech and Drama in London. He got Speech and Drama in London. He got

Speech and Drama in London. He got his first small television role

his first small television role his first small television role

within weeks of graduating and within weeks of graduating and

within weeks of graduating and began learning the skills of a

began learning the skills of a began learning the skills of a

professional actor. Years of hard professional actor. Years of hard

professional actor. Years of hard professional actor. Years of hard

work paid off. But one drama series work paid off. But one drama series

work paid off. But one drama series made James into a household name.

made James into a household name. made James into a household name.

made James into a household name. Cold Feet. This was a major one

Cold Feet. This was a major one Cold Feet. This was a major one

Cold Feet. This was a major one when I was 16. Lovely Sarah. We

when I was 16. Lovely Sarah. We when I was 16. Lovely Sarah. We

when I was 16. Lovely Sarah. We didn't work out. There was too much

didn't work out. There was too much didn't work out. There was too much

against us. Our families did not against us. Our families did not

against us. Our families did not approve, or the community. Romeo

approve, or the community. Romeo approve, or the community. Romeo

and Juliet. The it was fascinating and Juliet. The it was fascinating

and Juliet. The it was fascinating to watch you playing somebody from

to watch you playing somebody from to watch you playing somebody from

Northern Ireland who had no Northern Ireland who had no

Northern Ireland who had no political baggage? That was my

political baggage? That was my political baggage? That was my

point, by absolute point. I point, by absolute point. I

point, by absolute point. I remember feeling that. Because I

remember feeling that. Because I remember feeling that. Because I

was getting tied myself with the was getting tied myself with the

was getting tied myself with the Northern Irish accent and the

Northern Irish accent and the Northern Irish person, being

Northern Irish person, being Northern Irish person, being

perceived in the UK, in Britain, perceived in the UK, in Britain,

perceived in the UK, in Britain, but also globally with this

but also globally with this but also globally with this

negative plays and the accent was negative plays and the accent was

negative plays and the accent was only connected to either a

only connected to either a political commentary or conflict.

political commentary or conflict. political commentary or conflict.

You're cannot fight bigotry like You're cannot fight bigotry like

You're cannot fight bigotry like that. You're Protestant and she was

that. You're Protestant and she was that. You're Protestant and she was

Catholic? No, she was my geography Catholic? No, she was my geography

Catholic? No, she was my geography teacher. It was written for an

teacher. It was written for an teacher. It was written for an

teacher. It was written for an English person, I said I have to

English person, I said I have to English person, I said I have to

play this Northern Irish and they play this Northern Irish and they

play this Northern Irish and they play this Northern Irish and they

did not know me from Adam. I was did not know me from Adam. I was

did not know me from Adam. I was proud of that. I introduced that

proud of that. I introduced that proud of that. I introduced that

accent where it did not have accent where it did not have

accent where it did not have separate connotations. Did that to

separate connotations. Did that to separate connotations. Did that to

separate connotations. Did that to find you? Did people say, that is

find you? Did people say, that is find you? Did people say, that is

James Nesbitt? The Northern Irish James Nesbitt? The Northern Irish

James Nesbitt? The Northern Irish James Nesbitt? The Northern Irish

accent? I think so. But that is why accent? I think so. But that is why

accent? I think so. But that is why accent? I think so. But that is why

I went on to different things. The I went on to different things. The

I went on to different things. The I went on to different things. The

move back! The success of Cold Feet move back! The success of Cold Feet

move back! The success of Cold Feet move back! The success of Cold Feet

led to James being offered the lead led to James being offered the lead

led to James being offered the lead led to James being offered the lead

in a major film for television and in a major film for television and

in a major film for television and it could not have been more

it could not have been more it could not have been more

different. Get down!Let's go to different. Get down!Let's go to

different. Get down!Let's go to different. Get down!Let's go to

the role that you be described as a the role that you be described as a

the role that you be described as a the role that you be described as a

turning point in your life. It is a turning point in your life. It is a

turning point in your life. It is a film directed by Paul Greengrass.

film directed by Paul Greengrass. film directed by Paul Greengrass.

Bloody Sunday. My memory was hazy. Bloody Sunday. My memory was hazy.

Bloody Sunday. My memory was hazy. I remember learning about it

I remember learning about it I remember learning about it

briefly at Coleraine Inst but I briefly at Coleraine Inst but I

briefly at Coleraine Inst but I probably thought it did not concern

probably thought it did not concern probably thought it did not concern

probably thought it did not concern me. And there was that sense that

me. And there was that sense that me. And there was that sense that

before the Saville Inquiry and before the Saville Inquiry and

before the Saville Inquiry and before Cameron giving the public

before Cameron giving the public before Cameron giving the public

apology, that they were guilty? apology, that they were guilty?

apology, that they were guilty? These different sides. I was not

These different sides. I was not These different sides. I was not

thinking, I did not concern myself thinking, I did not concern myself

thinking, I did not concern myself with that. I think sometimes,

with that. I think sometimes, with that. I think sometimes,

slightly unfairly, it has been slightly unfairly, it has been

slightly unfairly, it has been attributed to my side that everyone

attributed to my side that everyone attributed to my side that everyone

thought they were guilty, that thought they were guilty, that

thought they were guilty, that isn't necessarily the case. A lot

isn't necessarily the case. A lot isn't necessarily the case. A lot

isn't necessarily the case. A lot of us close to our minds to this.

of us close to our minds to this. of us close to our minds to this.

James played Ivan Cooper, the James played Ivan Cooper, the

James played Ivan Cooper, the Stormont MP and Protestant civil

Stormont MP and Protestant civil Stormont MP and Protestant civil

rights campaigner. It is a typical rights campaigner. It is a typical

rights campaigner. It is a typical rights campaigner. It is a typical

question but did that make you feel question but did that make you feel

question but did that make you feel question but did that make you feel

better able to take on the part, better able to take on the part,

better able to take on the part, because he was Protestant? No, I

because he was Protestant? No, I because he was Protestant? No, I

because he was Protestant? No, I thought I had to do this but

thought I had to do this but thought I had to do this but

unquestionably I was scared of what unquestionably I was scared of what

unquestionably I was scared of what unquestionably I was scared of what

my family we think and the impact my family we think and the impact

my family we think and the impact on them, what friends would think

on them, what friends would think on them, what friends would think

and misrepresenting people from my and misrepresenting people from my

and misrepresenting people from my background. People feeling that I

background. People feeling that I background. People feeling that I

background. People feeling that I was in some way betraying them. And

was in some way betraying them. And was in some way betraying them. And

was also very scared that was also very scared that

was also very scared that nationalists in Derry and the

nationalists in Derry and the nationalists in Derry and the

families would not appreciate the families would not appreciate the

families would not appreciate the families would not appreciate the

idea of Ivan Cooper being at the idea of Ivan Cooper being at the

idea of Ivan Cooper being at the idea of Ivan Cooper being at the

centre of it, but also this pot as centre of it, but also this pot as

centre of it, but also this pot as an actor from Coleraine, what would

an actor from Coleraine, what would an actor from Coleraine, what would

he know? -- Protestant. Bloody he know? -- Protestant. Bloody

he know? -- Protestant. Bloody Sunday was a game changing

Sunday was a game changing Sunday was a game changing

performance, one underpinned by an performance, one underpinned by an

performance, one underpinned by an important aspect of James's work.

important aspect of James's work. important aspect of James's work.

Research with real people. In this Research with real people. In this

Research with real people. In this Research with real people. In this

case, the real Ivan Cooper. I met case, the real Ivan Cooper. I met

case, the real Ivan Cooper. I met 10 and he was fascinating. Bright,

10 and he was fascinating. Bright, erudite, passionate politician. But

erudite, passionate politician. But erudite, passionate politician. But

certainly who had been destroyed. certainly who had been destroyed.

certainly who had been destroyed. certainly who had been destroyed.

He felt culpable. He very much said He felt culpable. He very much said

He felt culpable. He very much said He felt culpable. He very much said

they had to March, they had to get they had to March, they had to get

they had to March, they had to get they had to March, they had to get

out on that day, there had been out on that day, there had been

out on that day, there had been out on that day, there had been

successes but it was a very big successes but it was a very big

successes but it was a very big issue. Internment. He was adamant

issue. Internment. He was adamant issue. Internment. He was adamant

issue. Internment. He was adamant they had to March. He talked for a

they had to March. He talked for a they had to March. He talked for a

long time, talking me through what long time, talking me through what

long time, talking me through what long time, talking me through what

Derry was like at the time and I Derry was like at the time and I

Derry was like at the time and I Derry was like at the time and I

had to read all the what the state had to read all the what the state

had to read all the what the state but. Everything that was presented

but. Everything that was presented but. Everything that was presented

but. Everything that was presented to the inquiry in those early days,

to the inquiry in those early days, to the inquiry in those early days,

to the inquiry in those early days, all the literature from the past, I

all the literature from the past, I all the literature from the past, I

had to be completely immersed. And had to be completely immersed. And

had to be completely immersed. And had to be completely immersed. And

he had not done a march since that he had not done a march since that

he had not done a march since that he had not done a march since that

he had not done a march since that day so we did that, that two of us.

day so we did that, that two of us. day so we did that, that two of us.

day so we did that, that two of us. And it was brilliant, it was an

And it was brilliant, it was an And it was brilliant, it was an

incredible help for me and very incredible help for me and very

incredible help for me and very incredible help for me and very

courageous of him but it was an courageous of him but it was an

courageous of him but it was an important exorcism for Ivan Cooper.

important exorcism for Ivan Cooper. important exorcism for Ivan Cooper.

important exorcism for Ivan Cooper. That is what you would describe it

That is what you would describe it That is what you would describe it

That is what you would describe it as? It taught me a lot about acting,

as? It taught me a lot about acting, as? It taught me a lot about acting,

as? It taught me a lot about acting, a lot about where I come from.

a lot about where I come from. a lot about where I come from.

do get death threats? There were do get death threats? There were

do get death threats? There were do get death threats? There were

odd bits of stuff you get through odd bits of stuff you get through

odd bits of stuff you get through the papers but I understand if

the papers but I understand if the papers but I understand if

people get angry, people thought, people get angry, people thought,

people get angry, people thought, typical, here he comes along, doing

typical, here he comes along, doing typical, here he comes along, doing

typical, here he comes along, doing well, doing a film about their side.

well, doing a film about their side. well, doing a film about their side.

well, doing a film about their side. I felt very strongly and I continue

I felt very strongly and I continue I felt very strongly and I continue

to feel strongly there are stories to feel strongly there are stories

to feel strongly there are stories to feel strongly there are stories

to be told but this was as true to be told but this was as true

to be told but this was as true that affected everybody and I think

that affected everybody and I think that affected everybody and I think

that hopefully, what we did without that hopefully, what we did without

that hopefully, what we did without that hopefully, what we did without

that hopefully, what we did without film was show that it was as much a

film was show that it was as much a Now I'm here looking like a fucking

Now I'm here looking like a fucking Now I'm here looking like a fucking

idiot. Murphy's Law gave him idiot. Murphy's Law gave him

idiot. Murphy's Law gave him idiot. Murphy's Law gave him

another lead role. He played a man another lead role. He played a man

another lead role. He played a man another lead role. He played a man

tormented by the things he had seen tormented by the things he had seen

tormented by the things he had seen tormented by the things he had seen

and took James to new territory. By and took James to new territory. By

and took James to new territory. By and took James to new territory. By

a series three, he wanted to push a series three, he wanted to push

a series three, he wanted to push things further. I felt there was

things further. I felt there was things further. I felt there was

room to navigate, take a different room to navigate, take a different

room to navigate, take a different room to navigate, take a different

route up for me and for the show. route up for me and for the show.

route up for me and for the show. route up for me and for the show.

You also showed a man capable of You also showed a man capable of

You also showed a man capable of extreme violence. And that was a

extreme violence. And that was a extreme violence. And that was a

shocking thing for people who shocking thing for people who

shocking thing for people who thought they knew James Nesbitt the

thought they knew James Nesbitt the thought they knew James Nesbitt the

actor. Was that her liberation? actor. Was that her liberation?

actor. Was that her liberation? actor. Was that her liberation?

That is a good question. Did I That is a good question. Did I

That is a good question. Did I consciously want to beat someone up

consciously want to beat someone up consciously want to beat someone up

consciously want to beat someone up on camera? Probably not but it went

on camera? Probably not but it went on camera? Probably not but it went

hand-in-hand with the part. It felt hand-in-hand with the part. It felt

hand-in-hand with the part. It felt like... Actually, it was a

like... Actually, it was a like... Actually, it was a

liberation. Absolutely right for us liberation. Absolutely right for us

liberation. Absolutely right for us liberation. Absolutely right for us

but because you didn't have to be but because you didn't have to be

but because you didn't have to be but because you didn't have to be

that spot key person, with a cheeky Again drawing on someone else's

Again drawing on someone else's real-life experiences allowed James

real-life experiences allowed James real-life experiences allowed James

real-life experiences allowed James to take his performance to a new

to take his performance to a new to take his performance to a new

to take his performance to a new level. We engage the services of an

level. We engage the services of an level. We engage the services of an

undercover cop. He defined that undercover cop. He defined that

undercover cop. He defined that undercover cop. He defined that

role. He was pretty harsh with me. role. He was pretty harsh with me.

role. He was pretty harsh with me. role. He was pretty harsh with me.

In what way? He would take me In what way? He would take me

In what way? He would take me In what way? He would take me

various places, he would talk a lot various places, he would talk a lot

various places, he would talk a lot about his past, he was constantly

about his past, he was constantly about his past, he was constantly

about his past, he was constantly bending my ear. We went out to a

bending my ear. We went out to a bending my ear. We went out to a

bending my ear. We went out to a couple of double -- dodgy areas and

couple of double -- dodgy areas and couple of double -- dodgy areas and

couple of double -- dodgy areas and he told me how to watch, he would

he told me how to watch, he would he told me how to watch, he would

be marking different things, he was be marking different things, he was

be marking different things, he was forlorn. You could have been

forlorn. You could have been forlorn. You could have been

pigeon-holed as Adam of Cold Feet. pigeon-holed as Adam of Cold Feet.

pigeon-holed as Adam of Cold Feet. pigeon-holed as Adam of Cold Feet.

Definitely. I am an actor, I am Definitely. I am an actor, I am

Definitely. I am an actor, I am supposed to do something different.

supposed to do something different. supposed to do something different.

supposed to do something different. It is the most important quality an

It is the most important quality an It is the most important quality an

actor should have. That appetite actor should have. That appetite

actor should have. That appetite for that interest, for that

for that interest, for that for that interest, for that

challenge, the fear about the challenge, the fear about the

complicated jigsaw, pulling it complicated jigsaw, pulling it

complicated jigsaw, pulling it complicated jigsaw, pulling it

apart. That is my job, I didn't do apart. That is my job, I didn't do

apart. That is my job, I didn't do it to be famous. Inevitably, his

it to be famous. Inevitably, his it to be famous. Inevitably, his

high profile work has dictated he high profile work has dictated he

high profile work has dictated he high profile work has dictated he

moved away from the place he loves. moved away from the place he loves.

moved away from the place he loves. moved away from the place he loves.

moved away from the place he loves. I am happy to be a way. But I just

I am happy to be a way. But I just I am happy to be a way. But I just

miss Northern Ireland because that miss Northern Ireland because that

miss Northern Ireland because that miss Northern Ireland because that

is where I am happiest. To this day, is where I am happiest. To this day,

is where I am happiest. To this day, is where I am happiest. To this day,

I still yearn for the North of I still yearn for the North of

I still yearn for the North of violent, probably hanker for it. I

violent, probably hanker for it. I violent, probably hanker for it. I

was concerned about having taught was concerned about having taught

was concerned about having taught was concerned about having taught

us and them being in some way us and them being in some way

us and them being in some way imbued with a sense of Northern

imbued with a sense of Northern imbued with a sense of Northern

imbued with a sense of Northern Irish nurse and I've done that, but

Irish nurse and I've done that, but Irish nurse and I've done that, but

they don't want to live here they don't want to live here

they don't want to live here because their life is in England.

because their life is in England. because their life is in England.

Are they aware of how important Are they aware of how important

Are they aware of how important Northern Ireland is to you? Yes.

Northern Ireland is to you? Yes. Northern Ireland is to you? Yes.

They know. They know all the They know. They know all the

traditional songs. Percy French. traditional songs. Percy French.

traditional songs. Percy French. traditional songs. Percy French.

You are not teaching them that, are You are not teaching them that, are

you? Absolutely!Northern Ireland you? Absolutely!Northern Ireland

you? Absolutely!Northern Ireland you? Absolutely!Northern Ireland

in all its beauty and tragedy is in all its beauty and tragedy is

in all its beauty and tragedy is still a huge inspiration. Five

still a huge inspiration. Five still a huge inspiration. Five

still a huge inspiration. Five Minutes of Heaven won a string of

Minutes of Heaven won a string of Minutes of Heaven won a string of

awards and saw James appearing awards and saw James appearing

awards and saw James appearing alongside another actor from County

alongside another actor from County alongside another actor from County

alongside another actor from County Antrim - Liam Neeson. The film is a

Antrim - Liam Neeson. The film is a Antrim - Liam Neeson. The film is a

fiction but one inspired by real fiction but one inspired by real

fiction but one inspired by real events. J Gryphon, who witnessed

events. J Gryphon, who witnessed his 17-year-old brother being

his 17-year-old brother being his 17-year-old brother being

murdered through the living room murdered through the living room

murdered through the living room window. The perpetrator was caught,

window. The perpetrator was caught, window. The perpetrator was caught,

window. The perpetrator was caught, he served his time. Joe had his

he served his time. Joe had his he served his time. Joe had his

life falling apart. His mother life falling apart. His mother

life falling apart. His mother life falling apart. His mother

blamed him for the rest of his life. blamed him for the rest of his life.

blamed him for the rest of his life. Five Minutes of Heaven was an

Five Minutes of Heaven was an Five Minutes of Heaven was an

exploration of the emotions of exploration of the emotions of

exploration of the emotions of these two men with the writer

these two men with the writer these two men with the writer

imagining what could have happened imagining what could have happened

imagining what could have happened imagining what could have happened

if they had met. For James, a if they had met. For James, a

if they had met. For James, a meeting the real person behind the

meeting the real person behind the meeting the real person behind the

screenplay was once again key to screenplay was once again key to

screenplay was once again key to his performance. He created this

his performance. He created this his performance. He created this

character on the page which was character on the page which was

character on the page which was character on the page which was

unbelievable so I went down to meet unbelievable so I went down to meet

unbelievable so I went down to meet unbelievable so I went down to meet

Joe. He was a whirlwind, angry. I Joe. He was a whirlwind, angry. I

Joe. He was a whirlwind, angry. I said, tell me what happened that

said, tell me what happened that said, tell me what happened that

night. Tell me what happened in night. Tell me what happened in

night. Tell me what happened in night. Tell me what happened in

your life. He was up and down, your life. He was up and down,

your life. He was up and down, your life. He was up and down,

anger. But at his court, you could anger. But at his court, you could

anger. But at his court, you could see this brilliant man, very funny,

see this brilliant man, very funny, see this brilliant man, very funny,

uneducated, but bright, but whose uneducated, but bright, but whose

uneducated, but bright, but whose life had been destroyed. He then

life had been destroyed. He then life had been destroyed. He then

life had been destroyed. He then has to trust you, though. There was

has to trust you, though. There was has to trust you, though. There was

has to trust you, though. There was a discussion about that. I spend a

a discussion about that. I spend a a discussion about that. I spend a

a discussion about that. I spend a lot of time with him. That was the

lot of time with him. That was the part I enjoyed most.

part I enjoyed most. part I enjoyed most.

part I enjoyed most. I don't want the camera their.

I don't want the camera their. I don't want the camera their.

I don't want the camera their. know, it gets some getting used to.

know, it gets some getting used to. know, it gets some getting used to.

know, it gets some getting used to. There is a scene where you get out

There is a scene where you get out There is a scene where you get out

There is a scene where you get out of the TV shoot and you can feel

of the TV shoot and you can feel of the TV shoot and you can feel

the rage. Is that remembering that the rage. Is that remembering that

the rage. Is that remembering that the rage. Is that remembering that

the rage. Is that remembering that a meeting with Joe? I talk to him a

a meeting with Joe? I talk to him a a meeting with Joe? I talk to him a

a meeting with Joe? I talk to him a lot, but I take him for five hours.

lot, but I take him for five hours. lot, but I take him for five hours.

lot, but I take him for five hours. lot, but I take him for five hours.

I would speak to him a lot and I I would speak to him a lot and I

I would speak to him a lot and I I would speak to him a lot and I

would meet with him. Joe, we are would meet with him. Joe, we are

would meet with him. Joe, we are would meet with him. Joe, we are

going to be a few minutes setting going to be a few minutes setting

going to be a few minutes setting going to be a few minutes setting

up anyway. Why don't you go up the up anyway. Why don't you go up the

up anyway. Why don't you go up the up anyway. Why don't you go up the

stairs? I want to meet him! But I stairs? I want to meet him! But I

stairs? I want to meet him! But I don't want the camera! I understand

don't want the camera! I understand don't want the camera! I understand

don't want the camera! I understand that. Joe, what we can do is...

that. Joe, what we can do is... that. Joe, what we can do is...

that. Joe, what we can do is... What are you looking at when you

What are you looking at when you What are you looking at when you

were recording him? We're going to were recording him? We're going to

were recording him? We're going to do an imitation? Know. You are

do an imitation? Know. You are looking at physical characteristics.

looking at physical characteristics. looking at physical characteristics.

looking at physical characteristics. You are looking at the moments when

You are looking at the moments when You are looking at the moments when

You are looking at the moments when he is quiet. What is he thinking

he is quiet. What is he thinking he is quiet. What is he thinking

he is quiet. What is he thinking when he is quiet. And then he is

when he is quiet. And then he is when he is quiet. And then he is

when he is quiet. And then he is off again. And you are looking at

off again. And you are looking at off again. And you are looking at

off again. And you are looking at the pain in his eyes. You would

the pain in his eyes. You would the pain in his eyes. You would

the pain in his eyes. You would think he would be dead behind the

think he would be dead behind the think he would be dead behind the

think he would be dead behind the eye is, being rejected at the age

eye is, being rejected at the age eye is, being rejected at the age

eye is, being rejected at the age of 13 by his mother, but he was

And I felt such a sense of belief And I felt such a sense of belief

And I felt such a sense of belief And I felt such a sense of belief

in Joe and I felt a sense of in Joe and I felt a sense of

in Joe and I felt a sense of in Joe and I felt a sense of

outrage in his story and I felt outrage in his story and I felt

outrage in his story and I felt outrage in his story and I felt

such a sense of pain. He was never such a sense of pain. He was never

such a sense of pain. He was never such a sense of pain. He was never

going to be able to tell the story, going to be able to tell the story,

going to be able to tell the story, going to be able to tell the story,

I was telling the story. But to I was telling the story. But to

I was telling the story. But to construct that, that have to be

construct that, that have to be construct that, that have to be

everything from the feet up, from everything from the feet up, from

everything from the feet up, from the inside, the marriage of the

the inside, the marriage of the the inside, the marriage of the

visceral insides of him, and the visceral insides of him, and the

visceral insides of him, and the kind of brilliant expressed emotion,

kind of brilliant expressed emotion, kind of brilliant expressed emotion,

kind of brilliant expressed emotion, kind of brilliant expressed emotion,

Let's talk about the fight scene. Let's talk about the fight scene.

Let's talk about the fight scene. It is incredible because again that

It is incredible because again that It is incredible because again that

rage and frustration... Yes.It is rage and frustration... Yes.It is

rage and frustration... Yes.It is not your typical Holywood fight

not your typical Holywood fight not your typical Holywood fight

not your typical Holywood fight scene. It is messy. It is awkward.

scene. It is messy. It is awkward. scene. It is messy. It is awkward.

scene. It is messy. It is awkward. scene. It is messy. It is awkward.

A lot of that is to do with Liam. A lot of that is to do with Liam.

A lot of that is to do with Liam. He was instrumental in saying it

He was instrumental in saying it He was instrumental in saying it

should be messy, crude, coarse, should be messy, crude, coarse,

I think Liam gives the truly I think Liam gives the truly

magnificent performance. I learnt magnificent performance. I learnt

magnificent performance. I learnt magnificent performance. I learnt

an awful lot from him. It is pretty an awful lot from him. It is pretty

an awful lot from him. It is pretty good in choreography. Because it is

good in choreography. Because it is good in choreography. Because it is

so messy and awkward, it heightens so messy and awkward, it heightens

so messy and awkward, it heightens the emotions. Absolutely. It is an

the emotions. Absolutely. It is an the emotions. Absolutely. It is an

the emotions. Absolutely. It is an explosion. That is key about it. It

explosion. That is key about it. It explosion. That is key about it. It

should be an explosive moment of should be an explosive moment of

should be an explosive moment of should be an explosive moment of

Joe's, that is his five minutes of Joe's, that is his five minutes of

Joe's, that is his five minutes of Joe's, that is his five minutes of

heaven, he is supposed to kill, and heaven, he is supposed to kill, and

heaven, he is supposed to kill, and It feels to me you've had a very

It feels to me you've had a very It feels to me you've had a very

long journey in becoming an actor. long journey in becoming an actor.

long journey in becoming an actor. 25 years, it's been an overnight

25 years, it's been an overnight 25 years, it's been an overnight

success. Why were you never success. Why were you never

success. Why were you never satisfied with one part? Because it

satisfied with one part? Because it satisfied with one part? Because it

satisfied with one part? Because it is my job, you know? That harks

is my job, you know? That harks is my job, you know? That harks

is my job, you know? That harks back to the work ethic. My dad used

back to the work ethic. My dad used back to the work ethic. My dad used

back to the work ethic. My dad used to close the school. Was there ever

to close the school. Was there ever to close the school. Was there ever

a sense that because you didn't a sense that because you didn't

a sense that because you didn't a sense that because you didn't

follow your dad down the root of follow your dad down the root of

follow your dad down the root of education and become that French

education and become that French education and become that French

teacher, there has been a residual teacher, there has been a residual

teacher, there has been a residual teacher, there has been a residual

guilt over the years? I think that guilt over the years? I think that

guilt over the years? I think that is probably very true. The notion

is probably very true. The notion is probably very true. The notion

is probably very true. The notion of ending up with money and fame

of ending up with money and fame of ending up with money and fame

of ending up with money and fame and all that comes with that, I

and all that comes with that, I and all that comes with that, I

and all that comes with that, I think there has been a lot of guilt.

think there has been a lot of guilt. think there has been a lot of guilt.

I spent 25 years thinking acting's I spent 25 years thinking acting's

I spent 25 years thinking acting's I spent 25 years thinking acting's

silly. I get that feeling from you. silly. I get that feeling from you.

silly. I get that feeling from you. silly. I get that feeling from you.

You don't want to talk about it too You don't want to talk about it too

You don't want to talk about it too You don't want to talk about it too

much. If you talk about it to your much. If you talk about it to your

much. If you talk about it to your mates, they would slag you off.

mates, they would slag you off. mates, they would slag you off.

mates, they would slag you off. They actually get it. I am the last

They actually get it. I am the last They actually get it. I am the last

They actually get it. I am the last person to catch on. At times, it

person to catch on. At times, it person to catch on. At times, it

can entertain, which is important. can entertain, which is important.

can entertain, which is important. can entertain, which is important.

At times, it can educate. At times, At times, it can educate. At times,

You have been introduced into You have been introduced into

You have been introduced into Holywood and into the American

Holywood and into the American Holywood and into the American

audience. Where does that take you? audience. Where does that take you?

audience. Where does that take you? audience. Where does that take you?

I know you have two more to do I know you have two more to do

I know you have two more to do but... I don't know. Honestly, I

but... I don't know. Honestly, I but... I don't know. Honestly, I

but... I don't know. Honestly, I dunno. Do I want to sit beside a

dunno. Do I want to sit beside a dunno. Do I want to sit beside a

dunno. Do I want to sit beside a pool in America waiting to get a

pool in America waiting to get a pool in America waiting to get a

pool in America waiting to get a film part in an accent I don't want

film part in an accent I don't want film part in an accent I don't want

film part in an accent I don't want to do as a baddie? I am not

to do as a baddie? I am not to do as a baddie? I am not

to do as a baddie? I am not interested. That is not part of my

interested. That is not part of my interested. That is not part of my

trajectory. That is not my career trajectory. That is not my career

trajectory. That is not my career trajectory. That is not my career

and a father. There is an amazing and a father. There is an amazing

and a father. There is an amazing and a father. There is an amazing

film you have been in, The Way, film you have been in, The Way,

film you have been in, The Way, with Martin Sheen, directed by his

with Martin Sheen, directed by his with Martin Sheen, directed by his

son. A good writer dies broker. son. A good writer dies broker.

son. A good writer dies broker. son. A good writer dies broker.

After I left college, I wrote for After I left college, I wrote for

After I left college, I wrote for travel magazines. I put some money

travel magazines. I put some money travel magazines. I put some money

travel magazines. I put some money away, and I thought I would get

away, and I thought I would get away, and I thought I would get

away, and I thought I would get down to the novel. 20 years later,

down to the novel. 20 years later, down to the novel. 20 years later,

down to the novel. 20 years later, here I am, still waiting for the

here I am, still waiting for the here I am, still waiting for the

magazine. Again, the part was not magazine. Again, the part was not

magazine. Again, the part was not magazine. Again, the part was not

for an Irishman. I thought it would for an Irishman. I thought it would

for an Irishman. I thought it would be great. I thought, actually,

be great. I thought, actually, be great. I thought, actually,

slightly challenged the myth of slightly challenged the myth of

slightly challenged the myth of Irish writers been great. This was

Irish writers been great. This was Irish writers been great. This was

Irish writers been great. This was a writer with the block, he wasn't

a writer with the block, he wasn't a writer with the block, he wasn't

romantic, he was something that had romantic, he was something that had

romantic, he was something that had gone wrong. Jack, you write

gone wrong. Jack, you write gone wrong. Jack, you write

whatever you want about this, what whatever you want about this, what

whatever you want about this, what whatever you want about this, what

you saw, what you felt, you write you saw, what you felt, you write

you saw, what you felt, you write you saw, what you felt, you write

it like it happened. You write the it like it happened. You write the

it like it happened. You write the truth. I'll do my best.

truth. I'll do my best. truth. I'll do my best.

truth. I'll do my best. It is quite a spiritual film. Some

It is quite a spiritual film. Some It is quite a spiritual film. Some

It is quite a spiritual film. Some might say it is a Catholic for long.

might say it is a Catholic for long. might say it is a Catholic for long.

might say it is a Catholic for long. I wonder again how much is your

I wonder again how much is your creative responsibility in this

creative responsibility in this creative responsibility in this

particular scene, you are walking particular scene, you are walking

particular scene, you are walking along... The stick?Yes. That

along... The stick?Yes. That You swing that stick quite well.

You swing that stick quite well. You swing that stick quite well.

You swing that stick quite well. There wasn't much else to do where

There wasn't much else to do where There wasn't much else to do where

There wasn't much else to do where I grew up! You know something, I

I grew up! You know something, I I grew up! You know something, I

I grew up! You know something, I wanted to dispel the myth of all

wanted to dispel the myth of all wanted to dispel the myth of all

writers with a Northern Irish writers with a Northern Irish

writers with a Northern Irish accent being from one particular

accent being from one particular accent being from one particular

accent being from one particular site. I loved being known as the

site. I loved being known as the site. I loved being known as the

site. I loved being known as the one with the stick. They didn't get

one with the stick. They didn't get one with the stick. They didn't get

it. They thought, hey, you're like it. They thought, hey, you're like

it. They thought, hey, you're like it. They thought, hey, you're like

in a marching band. And I'm like... in a marching band. And I'm like...

in a marching band. And I'm like... I think I was actually whistling

I think I was actually whistling I think I was actually whistling

I think I was actually whistling I think I was actually whistling

when I was doing it. I think I was when I was doing it. I think I was

when I was doing it. I think I was whistling King Billy's March. I

whistling King Billy's March. I whistling King Billy's March. I

whistling King Billy's March. I In the last couple of years, I've

In the last couple of years, I've In the last couple of years, I've

worked with Martin Sheen and others, worked with Martin Sheen and others,

worked with Martin Sheen and others, and they have been an extraordinary

and they have been an extraordinary and they have been an extraordinary

it -- inspiration. And they are it -- inspiration. And they are

it -- inspiration. And they are it -- inspiration. And they are

loving what they are doing. I am loving what they are doing. I am

loving what they are doing. I am loving what they are doing. I am

blessed to work with them. I am blessed to work with them. I am

blessed to work with them. I am blessed to work with them. I am

blessed to do what I am doing. blessed to do what I am doing.