'Ello, 'Vera'

Image credit: Vera Drake: Simon Mein

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Vera Drake

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Given the film’s generally bleak tone and budgetary issues, what was the atmosphere like when the cameras weren’t rolling?
Mike had a great discipline on the set. We are highly concentrated, but when you’re not doing that, he’s a very funny man. I like a bit of a joke, and there are a lot of funny actors there, so we had a very good time. But then when work has to be done, it’s fantastically well concentrated, and he gives everyone such a chance to be able to do their job. And not just the actors, but the crew, everyone. He gives them all the time and all the respect they need. So it’s the perfect opportunity to create this bit of work.

Why do you think Vera’s past, in terms of her performing abortions, was kept so hazy?
I’m afraid I can’t answer that. There is a part of the film where she’s asked [about her past], and that’s for the audience to decide what happened. I know what happened, but as Mike said, ''We’re not doing all that work for them. They have to work that out.''

Do you seek out period pieces, or do those types of scripts come to you?
I haven’t done that much, actually…I’ve only done Sense and Sensibility, and then David Copperfield. What else have I done?

Shakespeare in Love. Twelfth Night…
All right, don’t be clever. [Laughs] Oh, and Much Ado About Nothing. Oh, God! I suppose on television I’ve done more modern stuff. As long as it’s a good script, I’ll wear anything, no matter what period I’m in.

What did you learn from Mike Leigh that you can take with you to future projects?
Hopefully, to dig deeper when preparing a character. To keep my own counsel, to focus on just what I am doing…

Are there any American directors you’re interested in working with?
I keep thinking, ''Well, I can’t see what they would put me in.'' I think, ''Well, they wouldn’t want to work with me,'' so I have no idea. I’ve been lucky enough — I’ve worked with good directors. I just hope that continues, whoever they are. I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head; you’ve got enough of them here. I can’t think of anything, so I’ll leave that to fate.