'My Policeman', the newly released Harry Styles and Emma Corrin starrer, hit the big screen and will soon debut on Prime Videos. Gina McKee, who plays the older version of Corrin's character, Marion, opened up to ETimes about signing the film, her experience working with her younger co-stars, her advice on taking negative reviews with a pinch of salt and more... Excerpts:
Gina, playing the person who separates lovers usually has very little reward for the actor, from an audience perspective. What made you sign on to play Marion and how was it taking on the baton from Emma Corrin?
One of the things I was really attracted to when I first read the screenplay, is that it has a fantastic premise for drama that you have to try and get a peek at people who make decisions in their youth that profoundly affect one another. That link stays with them for decades. They have to understand that one of the characters acts as a catalyst and has the courage to bring those people back together in order to address the past, which felt like a brilliant, tantalising thing to explore. That was my initial attraction to it.
It was fantastic to share the role with Emma. She is a fantastic individual and a brilliant actress. I really thought, 'what a wonderful challenge'. I was really lucky because a lot of the 1950's part of the film was shot first. So I could look at a few scenes that she had already recorded and use that as reference material. But, besides that, we talked on zoom and also on the telephone. That helped because we were separated because of Covid protocols.
What was something that you loved the most about your younger cast members- Harry Styles, Emma Corrin, David Dawson- portrayal of these characters? What would be your advice to them about the negative reviews coming their way, especially Harry's way?
I think it is really interesting. When you are part of a piece of work, particularly before it is released, it is best to try and just hold a steady course. I'm sure a lot of people are going to see this movie because Harry has got this amazing dedicated fanbase and they are extraordinarily loyal and adore him. And, for good reason. He is a very special person and an amazing performer. It would be interesting to see what the opinion is and how the people take it when it is released, hopefully, the audience will really enjoy everybody's work. I think it is best to try and let that happen, because it is all very subjective.
Hollywood movies have great traction in India... so are there some of your favourite Indian movies, if any?
My mind is racing at the moment and I can't think of any. But, what an amazing industry you have! What an amazing archive catalogue, it's absolutely stunning. I had the good fortune 7-8 years ago to work on a film in Mumbai and it was a huge pleasure. What an amazing, resourceful and dedicated skillset you have there. I was deeply impressed and loved being there.
Not too long ago, the movie industry was slammed for not casting actors from the LGBTQ community, do you think we have moved past that discussion now?
No. I think it is an ongoing discussion. I think we have a lot of discussions about life right now and I think they are all vital and important. We are all in a state of discussion that there is a certain amount of flux that we wholly haven't landed on solutions. I hope any of these discussions bring about opportunities for people who feel they aren't represented. That's something I am interested in.
Since there is a lot of Oscar buzz, what are some of your favourite films from this year?
I haven't managed to see a lot of movies yet, because I have been working. But right around Christmas time, I am like 'Okay, now there's like 50 movies to catch up on'. The holiday season for me is to watch films. I have been reading a lot of stuff, so I am interested in watching quite a few of them.
The film based on the novel by Bethan Roberts, is inspired by the life of famed British novelist E.M. Forster and his love triangle with a London police officer and the officer's wife, who became a good friend. 'My Policeman' releases on November 4.
