Michael Pitt Interview

Michael Pitt discusses his role in the remake of Funny Games

How did you get involved with Funny Games?

A good friend told me to look into it, and when I did me and Michael [Haneke, Director of Funny Games] really hit it off. He's a really talented director. I knew working with him would make me a better actor. So the biggest thing was Michael. I knew I would learn a lot.

Was it hard making such a disturbing film?

To be honest it was fun. It was fun because everyone was really professional. There were times that were difficult, as some parts of filming were really intense. But it's pretend. I was more affected when I saw it.

Why remake Funny Games?

Mainly because I think that a lot more people will see it, unfortunately. Only a particular crowd watch films with subtitles in the US. Also I think it is very relevant to American culture. There's a lot of senseless violence. I think the film poses questions about violence committed by younger people.

What was it like working with Naomi Watts?

I leaned a lot from Naomi. She was wearing so many hats, as an actor and a producer, and doing it all well. She was so relaxed. She?s someone I've looked up to for a long time. Naomi helped me a lot.

What's your favourite film out at the moment?

Different films have different places in people's lives. I don't get to see a lot of films, so I want to watch films I learn from. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly was the last film I saw.

How do you choose your projects?

I'm not prejudiced about what type of movies I'm in, what form they take or whether they're studio or independent. I just want to make films that are going to be good. The main reason is not to make money, although at some points it's really difficult when you're broke.

Your first big role was in Dawson's Creek. Do you have happy memories of your time there?

Dawson's Creek was my introduction to the industry. It put some money in my pocket and it put me in the position I wanted to be in, where I could audition for projects that I wanted to be a part of. I didn't find it creatively fulfilling in any way though. Working with artists excites me, but Dawson's Creek didn't do that.

Funny Games is released 4 April