I met with actress and frequent Guest Contributor to Cinema Without Borders, Rachel O’Meara, and turned the tables by interviewing her about her favorite films.
AW: You write about such a varied selection of movies, it’s hard for me to anticipate what your favorite genre might be?
ROM: I’m a sucker for romance! Comedy or drama, I don’t mind. This month I loved The Butler from Lee Daniels, and Enough Said , with James Gandolfini and Julia Louis Dreyfus. I’m glad they gave him such a fitting tribute during the Emmys. Next month I’m all set to see The Counselor with Brad Pitt, and Romeo And Juliet, so it doesn’t get much more romantic than that! Of course, no one could do a better job than Shakespeare, but this script is written by Julian Fellowes, who created Downton Abbey, so I think we can expect some lovely story writing. Dr amas and thrillers are my next favorites, I thought Prisoners was one of the best films of the year, Hugh Jackman never disappoints me, and I’m really looking forward to Gravity. Runner Runner with Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck is a must see too.
AW: Is there a genre you avoid?
ROM: I don’t think of myself as a coward, but when watching horror movies, the truth does out! October is a potentially terrifying month with Halloween and all the scary films that brings! I really want to watch Carrie, but I’m still recovering from the Sissy Spacek version! Machete Kills with Jessica Alba and Mel Gibson could be interesting, but borderline too disturbing for me to sleep restfully that night!
AW: Which actors would you go to watch even if you didn’t know much about the film?
ROM: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Hugh Jackman, Cameron Diaz, Julianne Moore, Gemma Arterton, Benedict Cumberpatch, Laura Linney, Daniel Radcliffe. Daniel’s a lovely actor, h e was terrific as Harry Potter, and has really proven himself as an incredibly talented actor on the London stage. I’ve seen him in two West End shows. Terrific.
AW: I know you have an immense knowledge of world cinema — how do you find the time to review so many films?
ROM: Well, I’m never bored! My iPhone 5 is always at the ready, so if I’m waiting somewhere, or traveling, which I do a lot of with my work, I’ll switch on my iTunes or check in to Netflix. Although sometimes I get distracted by my guilty pleasure, and watch catch ups of The X Factor, Simon Cowell always makes me laugh!
AW: What’s the next film festival you’ll be attending?
ROM: The Los Angeles Polish Film Festival, as I’m a Judge on it, and then the Dubai International Film Festival, which will be during their Eid Festival too, so double the celebration!
