This comes across as a really quite personal piece of work?
And, from that, can someone be made evil?
The question is, how far?
I wrote the first draft in ten days!
But looking back at the early draft much remains the same.
It was John Hughes, I think, who was able to turn around screenplays even quicker than that.
But then presumably the shaping of it, particularly in this case, was particularly tricky.
How detached were you able to become?
I certainly never shoehorned in specific dialogue or situations that were based directly on reality.
Instead it shaped and directed the characters.
How involved was your best friend?
But aside from telling him what I was embarking on and showing it to him, I was independent.
Screening the film to him was a very emotional experience.
He was very moved.
How much do you disguise the parts that very much reflect you and your life?
How does a filmmaker protect their own privacy, whilst injecting the film with genuine life?
Thats a very interesting question.
So far in interviews Ive always had to pause and decide how much Im prepared to reveal.
But the directors role is very different, and almost dispassionate on some elements?
How do you deal with key decisions on such personal moments?
You have to use the script as the starting point and adhere to its rules.
It would be foolish to disregard two years of crafting on a directorial whim!
But the shoot itself was all about the drama and working with the actors.
That way I was always focused on those key decisions.
What was the key moment where this one came together?
Peter Mullans interest and inclusion must have helped?
Having Peter onboard did make a big difference.
it gives investors confidence, but I think the whole cast together was quite a compelling reason.
Personally, I think its a shame its come down to attaching names to scripts to get things made.
But I have to accept thats part of independent filmmaking nowadays.
Do you find that actors appreciate that, and are amenable to independent filmmakers?
Did you find any who just wouldnt even go near the screenplay?
I would say that everyone we approached responded to the script.
To be honest, the key thing that convinced all the actors was the biographical side to it.
Was this always going to be a film you directed?
Do you find it harder being a writer-director?
I had to direct this.
No one else could.
I confess I was nervous about this approach until Peter Mullan revealed he does exactly the same thing.
Are you left to it, or are you balancing the views of many?
Michelle Ryan gives a performance here thats going to surprise a lot of people, I think.
The thing is, and this annoys me, people will prejudge Michelle before they even see her.
Firstly, Michelle is the dream actress.
Shes committed, willing to go anywhere with her director, and utterly devoted to the part shes playing.
Her preparation and approach is fastidious and she feels every line.
Secondly, I dont understand why people need to knock actors who were in soaps.
Its a snobbery that I detest.
Shows likeEastendersare incredible for the work they turn around week-in-week-out and they have given rise to some amazing talent.
Do we hold it against Guy Pearce that hes inNeighbours?
I chose Michelle because she blew me away when I met her.
Its not just snobbery in her case though, is it?
Shes veered towards commercial work, yetThe Man Insideis a more intense, more personal, less mainstream film.
I think thats part of the surprise.
I think Michelle had begun taking steps with roles like the one inCleanskin, but Michelle is very versatile.
Was it important to you to filmThe Man Insidein the Newcastle area?
Did you get local support?
Newcastle provided the most extraordinary backdrops, and the crews in the North East are wonderful too.
I recommend anyone to go up there to make a movie.
Its such a versatile landscape for movie making.
Youd have to ask someone better qualified than me for that one!
It certainly doesnt make it easy getting on to screens thats for sure!
What are your hopes for the film from this point on?
How do you get a film like this to a young audience though?
The BBFC, for instance, dont seem to have done you too many favours?
I think a 15 certificate is fair.
What future projects can you talk about?
I have about three feature film projects currently on the go and two theatre projects.
Its been written by another writer I work regularly with and we are looking to shoot it next year.
Dan Turner, thank you very much.
The Man Insideis out in UK cinemas today.
You canread our review here.
