When it was released in 1981, the movie Arthur did not get the attention it deserved. For some reason, years later, the movie gained the appreciation of many viewers.

Director Jason Winer adapted the movie to modern times and casted comedian Russell Brand for the role of Arthur. He also added Helen Mirren and Nick Nolte to the interesting cast.

Russel Brand: ‘Are you happy with the government?’

-You play an important part in an important movie. Aren’t you worried that people might automatically compare you to Dudley Moore? Or are you used to the criticism?

I liked Arthur a lot. I even see myself like Arthur. We have so much in common. I know, I have a big mouth. I mostly act without thinking. I can hurt people. I’m spontaneous. But just like Arthur, I have no bad intentions in my heart. People who know me, know this well.

I’m sure they will compare me to Dudley Moore. I’m not worried. I played my part with love and belief. That’s what matters. I’m sure the viewers will get that.

What about Arthur’s private life? Arthur lives a very fast life until he finds the woman for his heart. Then he stops miraculously? What would you say about that?

You are very intelligent. Our private lives with Arthur are alike as well. I’m like Arthur. Here and there. But now I’ve calmed down (meaning Katy Perry). I know what I want. Those days are in the past.

Did you ever go to Turkey? I know you like to travel…

You did your homework. So how do you find the government and their work? What do you think about the upcoming elections?

How so?

Did I surprise you? I follow Turkey closely. Istanbul is a great city. I went to Turkey a few years ago. I liked Istanbul a lot. Afterwards, I kept on following your country’s affairs. There is wind of change all over the world. People deserve good things. It’s easy to comment from the outside, but each country has its own values.

Helen Mirren: ‘Russell makes me laugh’

You were a great couple with Russell Brand on the white screen. As I can see, it’s the same on the real life as well. How did this friendship start?

When I was in the movie making industry, Russell was still crawling. There is a generation gap between us. Yet I have never been the person of my age. The moment we met we had that chemistry.

I think people are being unjust to him. He is actually very intelligent and talented. This is a movie that he could prove himself. He has an open path in front of him. He thinks really fast. He is a natural comedian. These characteristics will be understood better in time.

You have been criticized in the past as well. But it didn’t affect your dignity. How did you manage that?

It’s never easy to look at yourself from the outside. People make mistakes sometimes. It’s natural to make mistakes. What’s important is to learn from them. That’s life. People need to take responsibility in life. When you don’t take responsibilities, life challenges you.

Does it affect you what others think?

You can only control your own actions and your own path. Life might not let you even that. You cannot control what others do. Otherwise your life gets complicated. It doesn’t matter what others think of you. What matters is, are you happy with yourself. Being in peace with yourself.

You gave me the impression of having an adventurous spirit. It’s only a momentary observation…

Correct observation…I look at life from a very adventurous state of mind. But I don’t do this in an obvious manner.

Greta Gerwig: ‘It’s thrilling to play with Helen Mirren’

Young actress Greta Gerwig plays to part of the idealist tour guide. She is proud to play with Helen Mirren and Nick Nolte and says that Helen Mirren is an amazing person.

Greta Gerwig find her partner Russel Brand very hyperactive and says ‘It’s impossible to catch up to his energy level. I seriously like him a lot. However, it must be exhausting to be like Russell’.

AYSEGUL EKINCI/LONDON