Isabel Coixet interview for Another Me – Screened at this year’s Frightfest.
Isabel Coixet interview for Another Me
This year’s Film 4 Frightfest is in full swing and the site is packed with our reviews, as well as a heap of exclusive interviews. We’re not stopping there though as there are still two more full days, as well as this evening.
Tonight sees the UK première of Another Me, a film based on the novel by Cathy MacPhail which sees young girl Fay stalked by a dangerous doppelgänger. Starring Game of Thrones and X-Men Apocalypse actress Sophie Turner, as well as Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Another Me is definitely one of the more intriguing films to seek out at this year’s festival.
To whet your appetite further we have an exclusive interview with the lady behind the camera, Isabel Coixet, who is also known for the cult favourite, Me Without You. Find out why you should make time in your schedule for Another Me below.
Isabel Coixet interview for Another Me
So what is Another Me about?
Well it’s about the duality that everybody lives through, especially when you’re a teenager and you’re looking for your true self. Then you discover there is no such thing as a true self. Basically it’s about this search for this person who you think you are and who you’re going to be.
How did the project come together?
Rebekah Gilbertson deputy of Rainy Day, I met her many years ago and we always talk about doing something together. One day she gave me the book Another Me and I really liked it, and I saw that it could be an amazing movie. I started working on it, I changed some things, with the permission of the author, and worked with the lovely and marvellous Sophie, and everything came together.
Isabel Coixet interview for Another Me
What were your influences / inspirations whilst making Another Me?
There’s a film from the late seventies called The Other from Robert Mulligan. It’s a story about twins and about teenage angst. I watched lots of Japanese films, Japanese horror films because I love them. I think they helped me create the creepy atmosphere of Another Me.
You have Sophie Turner as your lead, the Game of Thrones cast are all in exceptionally high demand, how did you manage to get her?
I have to say when I first met Sophie I hadn’t seen Game of Thrones at all. I was doing an audition and we were in a casting session and I thought she was marvellous. I really love her dedication, her passion and she’s an immensely down to Earth person, very sensitive, and I love her. I thought she did an amazing audition and then they told me she was in Game of Thrones. I have to say I’m not a fan of Game of Thrones.
Isabel Coixet interview for Another Me
How much of a challenge does it pose having one actor playing multiple characters?
Sophie was willing to do anything. I remember once we were shooting in an underpass and it was rain, cold and mud and everything, and she really threw herself there. She’s a truly
passionate and dedicated actress and she can do anything. In the film she plays two characters, but I’m sure if you asked her to play three she could do it.
Shooting-wise it’s quite easy. We planed it really well. I didn’t find the extra work we had to do particularly difficult. I have to say I never find making a film difficult. It’s everything around the actual shoot that’s difficult. Financing, distribution and post production, all those things are complicated and twisted, but shooting something is just an adventure, and a glorious adventure for me.
You filmed the movie a while ago, how frustrating is it when a project takes so long to reach the audiences?
You know it is what it is. Last week I was in New York promoting a film, Learning to Drive. Learning to Drive took almost nine years to get made. When a film is difficult to classify then it’s always difficult to get it made and to get it out there. But I’m so used to it, so for me the thing is the subject and that’s the most important thing.
The film screens at Frightfest this weekend, how close to the horror genre is Another Me?
I think it takes some elements from the genre, but I never wanted to make a genre film. I wanted to use some of the elements, especially the atmosphere. I think it’s a deeply atmospheric film and that’s what was important to me. That atmosphere is created by elements of horror films. The music, the lighting, and the use of colours.
What’s your favourite scary movie?
My favourite scary movie… probably The Ring, the Japanese movie. I remember I saw it without warning. I was on the jury for Sitges Film Festival the first time the film was shown in Europe and I was think, well come on you know (Laughs). Going back to the hotel and seeing myself in the mirror with my long hair was difficult.
Isabel Coixet interview for Another Me
Why do you think attendee’s should make the time for Another Me?
I think they’re gonna find a special film with some elements of horror films, but also it deals with a very universal thing, teenage angst. I think I can understand teenage angst even if I’m not a teenager anymore. I think I still have that teeneage angst in me.
Another Me will screen at London’s Frightfest on Saturday 29th August before being released on digital platforms on Monday 31st August.
