Warning: weve spoiler-tagged a couple of questions that touch upon the ending of Ruby Sparks.

Where do you want me?

Where do you want me?

he tries it out, What a question.

This is the first thing to understand about Dano: he pays attention to words.

Dano speaks slowly, quietly, choosing his words deliberately.

Is that your take on it?

I dont know that I could say it any better than that.

What would be on your list of great romantic comedies then?

Im probably leaving something out.

What changed about the film from the first draft of the script to the end of that nine months?

I would say nothing major, but it was just about refining it.

I mean, theyre the ones who shoot it and then they edit the final film and so on.

It was small things over the course of that nine months so nothing that stands out as major.

The script was fairly intact from the beginning then.

I think it was there, and it was just about making sure everything was perf- was in focus.

I felt very much that it was in focus, theres just no fat to trim on the film.

Part of that process was making sure that…

I think they just helped with that.

That was towards the end of our shoot and we were doing… Did you rehearse it beforehand between the two of you or was there any improvisation?

No, what happened was that the scene was written, but there was looseness to the writing.

So which command was yours?

Well, I dont know if I want to say.

[SPOILER ENDS]

The films titledRuby Sparks, but its really about Calvins pathology isnt it?

His relationship and self-esteem issues, would you agree with that?

Yeah I think so.

If you dont love yourself you cant love somebody else properly?

I think Calvins got a bit of that too.

You know, I think I have empathy for it, but I think my experience is somewhat different.

Calvins got to a place where hes stopped producing and I havent felt that.

Do you know what I mean?

Its the films control theme recurring isnt it?

That certainly comes across in the film.

You know actually it was not while it was being made.

Zoe knew what it was, but I didnt.

I think somehow well find a way.

There are some that are accidental too.

Like, it just happens.

[I shake my head] Well, you see I dont want to draw peoples attention to it.

like, go on.

Well I mean I can tell you but I dont know if I want to…

But youre not unhappy about the coincidence?

I mean, its serendipitous isnt it, something like that?

I think that its nice that it was accidental and its interesting.

Is there anything else?

I mean, there are certainly things we were thinking about that I tried to throw in.

The Jacques Tati moment?

As a Tati fan then, did you have anything to do with the films great French pop soundtrack?

It gives it the feeling you want but its not hopefully too much.

Talking about the romance, whats your take on the films ending?

Calvin finds Ruby again, but is it her?

Is it a new girl?

She doesnt remember him but other people will remember her wont they?

You say No, Id never do that, thinking Yes, yes, I probably would.

More than anything I want them to be surprised by the film.

If we can move on to your previous work for a moment.

That they taught you something?

Usually, its rarely the case that they literally taught me something, like sit you down and… How about De Niro [Dano co-starred with him inBeing Flynn] for instance?

Well De Niro is…

I really like working with him because hes a no bullshit guy and very simple.

Im not a person who needs to chit-chat between takes by any means.

And also, hes not a good liar, hes not a good… he wont force something.

And Harrison Ford [with whom Dano co-starred inCowboys & Aliens]?

Im not sure how to put words to what I would have taken away from him.

Youve just finished on Steve McQueensTwelve Years A Slave?

It was an intense subject matter but I actually had a wonderful time.

McQueen tends to work with actors again and again, so is that something youd be open to?

Id work with him again, in a [snaps fingers].

I really loved working with him.

Did you add Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender to your list of leading men co-stars?

No, but my scenes were with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Have you seen CumberbatchsSherlockseries for the BBC?

The first season was great.

The seconds good too, great finale.

Speaking of Brits, how did Steve Coogans casting come about inRuby Sparks?

When did you first become aware of him?

I feel like hes been on my radar for a long time.

What was the first thing Id have seen him in?

It definitely wasnt the Alan Partridge stuff, but weve certainly seen all that and its amazing.

I think he was the first person we thought of for that part.

Are you often recognised on the street?

Every now and then, I wouldnt say too often but it happens.

Which film do they recognise you for?

I think probablyThere Will Be Bloodthe most…

Do people shout at you about milkshake?

Every now and then, yeah.

So porn stars and milkshake?

Paul Dano, thank you very much!

Ruby Sparks comes out in the UK on Friday the 12th of October.