Last Sunday, James McAvoy arrived at the Glasgow Film Festival to be presented with an honorary award and discuss his career. McAvoy was delighted to be presented with the honorary cinema city award in his hometown. It was even more special as he mentioned that the first film he had acted in at sixteen premiered at the Glasgow Film Theatre.
After walking the red carpet, answering questions from the press, and taking selfies with lucky fans, McAvoy headed inside the theatre for his “In Conversation” event.
A topic that garnered a lot of discussion, was McAvoy’s directorial debut, California Schemin’, telling the story of two Scottish rappers who pretended to be American to be respected by record labels.
McAvoy’s acting career has lasted since 1995, and his most recent role was starring in the horror film Speak No Evil. At his In Conversation event he acknowledged that his successful career made it easier for him to pursue a directing role.
When asked if his debut being shot in Scotland made it feel “extra special” he talked about the experience of receiving scripts to direct.
“When I said I wanted to be a director, I looked at my career, and really, I’ve done a few Scottish things, but I have not done that much. The minute I said I want to be a director every single script I got sent was Scottish council estate, Scottish council estate, Scottish council estate. I’m from a Scottish council estate. So it’s interesting actually. We’re going to profile you, that’s where you’re from, and that’s what you’re going to get.”
McAvoy also discussed his desire to bring an authentic feel to stories set in Scottish council estates, not just telling stories designed to make the audience feel sorry for those who live there but showing an inspiring side as well. He said that he had rejected scripts given to him, not because they would make bad movies, but because they were not the stories that he personally wanted to tell.
“I wanted to make a story that is aspirational and entertaining, as well as taking in the realities, of what it is like to come from a low-income background.“
McAvoy clarified that he “is not down on the working class”, worrying that what he said would be misunderstood. He further explained:
“Just because you’re making a film set in a council estate doesn’t mean you can’t go further, doesn’t mean you can’t push and pull your audience in ways that aren’t just about going oh this is so horrible, this is so sad, I grew up in a council estate and it wasn’t all so horrible, and it wasn’t all so sad. It was brilliant.“
He highlighted that this film is a real response from his heart, due to personal lived experiences. California Schemin’ is currently filming, meaning there is not yet a set release date.
Featured image credit – Rae Archibald
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Journalism and English student.
