From directorAgnieszka Hollandand screenwriterAndrea Chalupa, the dramatic thrillerMr.
But most shocking was the fact that I knew so little about the Holodomor, in general.
I felt even more emboldened to jump on board.
Is that how it works for you when you read something?
NORTON: First of all, I read the character description.
Physically, Gareth Jones wasnt very similar to me.
Image via Samuel Goldwyn Films
For an actor, Im quite tall.
Im nearly 6'2", and Im not Welsh.
NORTON: Yeah, exactly.
Image via Samuel Goldwyn Films
That does require a more academic pursuit, reading the books and educating yourself on the period.
The most important thing is finding the whole soul of that person.
I read loads of books about Gareth Jones and the period.
Image via Samuel Goldwyn Films
The kids really loved him, and that, for me, was really important.
NORTON: Its a really good question.
That, in itself, is just the most admirable quality.
The other truth is that he was an adrenaline junkie.
He was always in motion.
Youre also attached to Joss Whedons sci-fi TV seriesThe Nevers, which sounds very cool.
Have you already shot that?
NORTON: Thats very different fromMr.
No, we were half-way through.
I think weve shot about five episodes.
Were basically almost exactly half-way through.
Weve got about five more to shoot.
Were filming in London, and Joss is here.
The first half of the shoot went really well.
Were really excited about it, and I think HBO is excited about it.
I have a lot of love for Joss.
That world sounds really interesting, and the descriptions of each of the individual characters sound very interesting.
What was it about your character that made you want to explore him?
NORTON: If youve read the character description, that says it for me, really.
Its the world, its Joss, and its character.
Ill be better positioned to answer that question in a few months time.
Its all very big and delicious and gaudy.
If it was in the hands of a different director or writer, Id be a bit more wary.
NORTON: Thats a good question.
When I was in university, I loved dabbling in comedy.
At the same time, I would never claim to be a comedian or a comedic actor by nature.
But I would love to maybe have a go at comedy.
To be honest, Im up for everything.
As long as the character is there, the genre of whatever it might be is a Trojan horse.
Its always about character, front and center, for me.
Im up for it all, as long as the person is there.
Mr. Jonesis available on digital on June 19th, and on-demand on July 3rd.
