This was a special opportunity: Russell

The reformed bad boy that the English press loves to hate, Russell Brand needs no introduction. A British comedian, actor, columnist and radio and television presenter, Brand’s notorious past has linked him to substance abuse and promiscuity.
However, marriage to singer Katy Perry has sobered him down, so much so, that he’s now embraced Hinduism. His latest release, Warner Bros Pictures’ Arthur, is set to release in India.
What was it about your character that made you do this film?
RB: I think it was a special opportunity to play a prince, an archetypal character, a person of huge potential, who has been inhibited by a perpetual childhood. There is a simple benevolence and charm to him. He’s a man who regards the world with the eyes of a child. While he is incredibly privileged from the perspective of a social position and monetary excess, he’s been denied a conventional upbringing. He doesn’t have a father, doesn’t have a connection with his mother. It was a wonderful opportunity to examine a story that is incredibly relevant today about someone who is flawed but with a lot of heart. For me, regardless of what happened in terms of the film’s success, it was certainly defining for me. It was an incredibly unique opportunity.
You’ve trained as an actor and have an improvisational comedy background. Has this film been a step forward for you?
RB: It was a tremendous opportunity as a performer to be involved in the project and to work with talented people who have such amazing vision. It’s been phenomenal because at first, it was useful that I could improvise. It was useful that I had ideas and was working with collaborators that had their own ideas. And knowing that there was a director and writer I could trust — I was never happier! Working with Helen Mirren was, as you can imagine, a joy.
She clearly adores you!
RB: As a person, she is remarkable. Before you meet her, you think, ‘She’s Helen Mirren; she’s won an Oscar; she’s a dame.’ But she’s a normal person who’s lovely, charming and sweet. She’s someone who’s at ease and normal with people. Surprisingly effortless on set as well! She’s a great interpretive artist. She knows how to convey emotion; she knows what the scene is about. I think it’s wonderful to have authority, femininity and sweetness, those are great qualities in a woman.
How was it working with Luis Guzman?
RB: I love him! He’s got an amazing ability to commit to a scene. Say you’re in the middle of a scene with Luis and a light fell down and smashed on the floor between you; he’d incorporate that into the scene, that it happened to the character somehow. He wouldn’t get upset if something like that happened. Luis is funny, benevolent and sweet.