Five Minutes With: Gemma Chan - Hunger TV

Film

Five Minutes With: Gemma Chan

Published on 08 February 2014

photography Kate Martin
styling Charlie Moore

Gemma Chan first popped up on our radar alongside Billie Piper in Secret Diary of a Call Girl and since then the former model has found herself on a host of ‘ones to watch’ list, and recent stints working with Kenneth Brannagh and Richard Ayoade will likely do little to dampen the attraction. We grab five minutes with the actress to talk favourite films and Uniqlo menswear.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT STATE OF BRITISH FILM, ARE WE IN A GOOD PLACE?
I think we have a wealth of talent here and the industry overall is healthy. We have a willingness to take creative risks, to be different and unexpected. But there are always more ways British filmmaking can be supported and we need to protect arts funding to ensure future generations of young people from all backgrounds can have access to art and the creative industries.
HAVE YOU GOT A FAVOURITE BRITISH FILM?
I couldn’t choose just one… off the top of my head, Trainspotting, Shaun of the Dead, Withnail & I, Monty Python’s Life of Brian and The Remains of the Day.
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST IN THE FILM WORLD?
I’ve been lucky enough to be directed by Kenneth Branagh and Richard Ayoade who are incredibly talented and lovely. I have huge admiration for Christopher Nolan, Sam Mendes and Danny Boyle. As actresses, Olivia Colman, Cate Blanchett and Charlize Theron can do no wrong. I really admire actors who are equally adept at drama and comedy and can be truthful doing either, it’s what I aspire to in my own career.
YOU’RE ALSO A FAN OF BRITISH FASHION, WHO DO YOU LOVE WEARING?
I recently presented the award for Best Documentary at the BIFAs and wore a cream lace jumpsuit from Alice by Alice Temperley, accessorised with a vintage belt, Thomas Lyte clutch, Kurt Geiger shoes and rings by Stella & Dot. It suited the understated glamour and slightly quirky nature of the BIFAs, and I think that that’s indicative of British fashion in general. I think it’s important to support emerging British designers too, but I’m always happy in Jonathan Saunders, Holly Fulton, Christopher Kane and Erdem. There’s so much talent here.
WHAT DEFINES YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
It’s changeable and really depends on my mood and the occasion. Day to day my style is relaxed, understated, quite boyish – skinny jeans, ankle boots or hi-tops, a silk shirt and leather jacket. Maybe with some statement jewellery. I’ve been living in Uniqlo men’s knitwear lately, I prefer the fit and just buy it a size down. For events I like to mix it up, sometimes I’ll go for retro glamour, other times more modern, romantic or quirky. I don’t have any hard and fast rules other than wear what you like, what makes you happy.
WHAT’S IN THE PIPE LINE FOR YOU THIS YEAR?
I play an American spy in Paramount’s Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit which was out last month. It’s an origins story based on Tom Clancy’s iconic character, directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Chris Pine, Keira Knightly and Kevin Costner. And I’ve just finished filming London Fields, an adaptation of Martin Amis’ novel, directed by Mathew Cullen with Billy Bob Thornton, Jim Sturgess, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. I’ll also appear in a new cold war drama The Game for the BBC with Brian Cox and Tom Hughes, so it’s an exciting year. Busy, but exciting!