Almost closer to a log, he explains animatedly.
Its made entirely out of foam but looksverymuch like a stick.
It was a memento from his first film role aged 12, in Garth Jennings 2007 comedySon Of Rambow.
I always try and rob something from set, he smiles.
The art department were good enough to give that to me.
Did I notice the records in his characters vinyl collection that hadnt been released when the episode is set?
Or theAkiraposter which also came out later than 1984?
We chat aboutBandersnatchfan theories, staying mentally healthy around modern technology, and building the character of Colin Ritman.
But first, his interest is piqued by a book… Den Of Geek: It is.
Feel free to have a browse.
I thought it was!
Of course, go ahead.
Do you recognise them from childhood?
Im not sure I do but Ilovethe artwork.
It was published in 1985.]
The best bits are the quotes in the inside cover from schoolchildren.
Though I dont like reading much, I loved this says Robert, aged 10.
It makes you think instead of just reading it and forgetting it says Charlotte, aged 13.
While youre flicking, talk me through the creation of Colin Ritman, starting with his voice.
[Laughs] Like a semi-computerised voice.
Was that the idea, to make him so laconic hes almost like part-machine?
I didnt know where it came from or why but it just made sense for Colin.
How about the look, the costumes.
Did that reference the same documentary?
I certainly follow their lead and often come with some relatively strong thoughts.
What was your input on this?
I wanted a receding hairline!
So they shaved into my hair line a little bit, which was cool.
Fortunately, we were all very like-minded.
In the future, in the past…
Yeah.
Thats a very exciting notion.
I would love that.
Of course, that would be amazing.
I would definitely like to reprise Colin, whether he will or not, I dont know.
Hes like his mentor?
Theyre sort of kindred spirits in some ways.
Colin sees a lot of Stefan in him.
A few of them became apparent to me at different stages.
Some of them were pointed out to me.
Actually, my brother sent me a text about a poster, did you see that one?
I think its anAkiraposter, and he said You realise that was releasedlaterthan 1984.
Thats kind of cool.
You met some of those die-hard fans at the signing this week?
Its a really engaged fandom.
Theyre so into it and so passionate and so observant.
At the signing there wasnt too much opportunity for chat.
Its amazing to see how into it theBlack Mirrorfans are.
Everyone Ive met associated withBlack Mirrorhas been really nice.
Its very dark, too, in lots of ways, so thats quite surprising.
[Quotes the episode] That was Huxley, not Leary.
A little bit of that.
I was nervous about not feeling ready when it came to Colin.
Have you thought much about what theBandersnatchstory is about?
I think its about about responsibility over choice.
If it is to kind of fit in with one of the overreaching themes ofBlack Mirror.
What dictates your choices as an actor?
I always want to try and do things that Im really passionate about.
Whats happening with your production company [Good Soil, set up in 2014]?
Thats something I still have that is kind of on the back boiler a little bit.
I was so lucky to get the opportunity I got.
With Garth Jennings inSon Of Rambow?
With Garth, yeah, that was awesome.
Its such a lovely film.
Thank you, thanks.
We didnt anticipate that.
How did that come about?
It got Stallones approval, which is very cool.
The 80s were where your acting career really started withSon Of Rambow,and now youre back there inBandersnatch.
What does it mean to you as an era, considering that you werent around in them for real?
Its just fun to spend any time in the 80s.
Were there any particular 80s props inBandersnatchthat really helped you get into the period?
The ZX Spectrum I was coding the games on, I loved that little thing.
I had this Zippo lighter that I was always fiddling around with, that was great too.
Thats in my bathroom.
I managed to steal that one.
What did you rob fromSon Of Rambow?
Ive got a stick!
It looks like a very convincing piece of wood but its actually completely spongey.
I getso coldlooking back at the pictures.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is available now on Netflix UK.
