AMA with Domhnall Gleeson & Director Lenny Abrahamson from The Little Stranger!

DG - Okay, apparently we're the second most popular AMA on reddit right now. Who the hell is first? I'm gonna start spilling Star Wars secrets in the next ten minutes, tell everyone to come here IMMEDIATELY.

Hello Domhnall.

I didn't expect 'About Time' to be as beautiful and great like it is. What a awesome surprise.

Did you have fun working with Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy?

DG - I will love them both, forever.

Hey Domhnall, as a former leaving cert Irish student I must ask, have you seen cáca milis? And if so, what did you think of it?

DG - I have seen it! Thought it was great. My father plays the most annoying man in the world, and is worryingly good at it...

DG - hey everyone, thanks for being so nice and asking so many questions. Sorry we didn't get to everyone. Hope you like the film, I'm as proud of it as I could possibly be. Lots of love, be kind, peace out. Dx

Domhnall, is Oscar Isaac in your basement?

DG - is that a euphemism? If so, yes.

Hi Domhnall. How come your da is so fucking good? Not saying you’re not, but honestly I think Brendan should be considered among the greatest actors of his generation. He must have been an incredible inspiration. What would you say is the biggest lesson he taught you?

DG

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A courtesy flush is SO important. That was a big one.

Sorry. That and lots of stuff about being a good person in the world. That kind of thing. I like him even more than you do, I guarantee. He's amazing.

Lenny - would you ever make a sequel to Frank?

DG - yes, Lenny, would you ever make a sequel to Frank?

LA - find your own work.

Would you? Frank 2 - The Refrankening

LA: Frank 2: This time it's personal.

ah Frank.

​

I was *NOT* expecting to love that movie as much as i did, thanks for that

Thank YOU

No no, seriously, thank YOU

LA: Delighted grin.

Hey Domhnall, what was your favorite thing about working on the Star Wars sequel trilogy and specifically how was working with Adam Driver?

DG - I love being a part of something that means so much to so many. That's pretty cool. Working with Adam is great. He's great. I'm trying to think of something funny to say but it's not happening. He's great. Yup.

Domhnall, did you give your moustache a name?

DG - why on earth would you give a moustache a name? Its name was 'Karl'.

Hi Lenny and Domhnall, I’m a big fan. Question for Lenny: Has being nominated for an Oscar opened a lot of doors for you? Do you feel more free now then you did earlier in your career?

It definitely opened doors. And it's great not having to explain as much who I am. It feels like I've more of a free hand with the projects I make.

DG - that last reply was from Lenny, but he didn't put 'LA' in front of it. We've spoken, and it won't happen again.

SORRY - jeeze ...

DG- YOU'VE DONE IT AGAIN, LENNY

Sorry.

LA: DAMN

eh LA

It’s hard, isn’t it?

I'll never learn.

LA

Adam and Paul is a really special filum that I wish more people would see.

LA: thank you so much. In Ireland I meed lots of people who know it really well and can quote lines from it.

meet

Domhnall, what has been the best failed attempt at pronouncing your name?

DG - Tonio. I was simultaneously appalled and incredibly impressed

Domhnall- now that rom coms are coming back, do you think you would do another? I watch about time whenever I need a pick me up, it's perfection!

DG - Thank you, I love it too. I would do another one if it had any chance of having the same meaning as About Time. Perhaps Richard Curtis could help.

Hi Domhnall and Lenny!!

For Domhnall: You are my absolute favorite actor! I loved you in GCR and Ex Machina especially! How is it to go from doing sci-fi movies like Ex Machina and Star Wars and drama pieces like GCR and Black Mirror to doing a gothic horror movie like The Little Stranger? Are there any other genres of movies you would like to do? Maybe even more horror centered pieces?

Thanks! <3

DG - thank you very much! I love elevated genre but I don't really think of Little Stranger as horror - more a drama for grown ups like 'Remains of the Day' but with this really cool ghost element floating around it. I follow the filmmakers primarily, so if someone like Lenny ever wanted to do any kind of genre thing, I'd be all over it. I'm aware that looks a little desperate, but... I'm desperate. Lenny ,what are you doing next? Can I be in it?

Domhnall, can you share any of the poems you've used to get into accents for characters?

DG - Aubade by Philip Larkin is a great one. I've used that a couple of times.

Hi Domhnall, About time is one of my favourite movies. What's your favourite Irish movie?

DG - Lenny's made a couple of them. Garage is stunning. I also like I Went Down a lot, and The General is very cool. No family bias, at all.

Domhnall - What makes you attracted to creepy scripts? e.g The Little Stranger, Black Mirror.
Lenny - Do you ever become so lost in films your directing that it takes time to get back to reality?

LA: It always takes me a bit of time after I've finished shooting to get back to real life. Making a film is pretty all consuming and for the months of the shoot there is a total immersion in the world of the film. It's weird being back dropping the kids to school or cleaning up after the dog.

DG - I just like scripts that keep me interested. That feeling of worrying what the hell is going to happen next, and being a little scared, they're good ways to keep momentum. I think it's as simple as that.

Domhnall, I admire the work you've done for charity. Which skit from Immaturity for charity is your favourite?

DG - I love the Coke one. Thanks for watching!

Domhnall, do you have a middle name? Haha Asking for my sister. Really.

DBG - no

domhnall, if you could play any part that your dad or your brother has played, which would you pick and why? i think all of you are really wonderful actors — calvary, frank, and phantom thread are three of my favourite films ever. so excited to see this one!

DG - Phantom Thread, and In Bruges, maybe? Or Calvary. Ah God, there's loads.

Hi lads, lyons or barrys? Kings or tayto?

LA: Barry's and Kings. There is simply no discussion on this.

7up or tango

Barry's and Tayto , but never together.

Lenny - If you could be stuck living in one of your films which one would it be?

LA: None of them are too appealing as worlds to be stuck in. Note to self: must make romantic comedy.

DG -I'll be in your romantic comedy if you like.

DG- Lenny?

DG - Lenny?

Dg - Hello, Lenny?

Dg - ....

Dg - Lenny?

Any workout tips Domhnall? Need to get jacked. I'd ask Ryan Tubridy but he's busy.

DG - Myself and Ryan like to work the glutes, primarily. Filling out the back of your jeans is so important these days.

Domhnall, I am reminded of your brief cameo in “Mother!” with your brother. What was it like to act in an Aronofsky film in such a brief but memorable way?

DG - Unforgettable. Love t odo it again

Domhnall, you were tipped for years to be the first ginger Doctor Who, would you ever consider the role in the future?

DG - anybody who tries to follow Jodie Whittaker is gonna have a tough time. She's ace. So, no.

Domhnall: How does a man with a lovely face like yours, and a whole body laugh, turn into such a believeable creeper even only in the photographs? Did you have your adorableness surgically removed for the filming? Thank you both!

LA: I have his adorableness stored in a box and I'm not giving it back unless he pays me lots of money.

You’ve already done horror and comedy together, if you were to do another movie, what genre would it be next time? :) love you both! Can’t wait to see The Little Stranger!

Correction: suspenseful atmospheric thriller - not horror! ;)

DG - Erotica?

Dg- Lenny?

Dg - Lenny?

DG - Hello, Lenny?

DG - Lenny?

DG - .......

DG - Lenny?

LA 🤮

Domhnall, do you always keep any props after filming a movie ? if yes, what did you keep from TLS ? bisoux

DG - I do keep props if I can but they're really strict nowadays. I kept a couple of his cards that said Dr Faraday, and I tried to keep his hat but... it didn't work out.

Hi Domhnall. Any particular horror film that you like? Why?

DG - The Innocents is pretty fantastic, but it's maybe not horror in the way that people use the term nowadays. Similar to Little Stranger, actually.

Hello, I'm writing from Spain (I apologize for my bad English). I deeply admire your work. I think both represent the cinema that I love, the one that is not afraid to put their fingers in the heart of the story and twist them inside. I don't care what the American critics say. It took me 30 seconds to feel "the truth" of your wonderful movie.

My question for both is: after giving everything in a difficult scene and staying "empty", where do you bring out the energy to continue filming a new scene?Any trick or ritual?

LA: I'm always so impressed with how actors can find energy take after take, especially in intense scenes. As a director I try to schedule so that there is some time for recovery. Ultimately, I think experienced actors learn to manage their emotional resources.

DG - thanks for that, glad you liked the movie. The energy can waiver but a good director, good actors, a good Director of Photography - all these things bring you back. I love going home feeling tired because you put some of yourself into your work. That's what the good ones make you do.

Hi Domhnall! I’m a huge fan of your performances. My favorite is General Hux but I love pretty much everything you’ve been in!

My friends and I had a few questions - feel free to ignore any of them haha

1. We read in a review that you specialize in playing characters who cover their insecurity and desperation with ambition to the point where you may be typecast as such. What are your thoughts on this?

2. Is there a character type you haven’t played yet that you would like to play? Is there a character type you think you wouldn’t be able to play?

3. A goofy question: have you heard about Hux’s pet cat Millicent? It was a joke by Pablo Hidalgo on Twitter but the fans seems to really like it.

And one more for Domhnall and Lenny:

What is your favorite kind of sandwich?

LA: Pastrami. Also, I hate mayonaise and it's on everything. Please can someone do something about this.

I’m sorry Lenny. I love mayo. This might be my fault.

DG - So you're the person. If it is in fact your fault, I hope you suffer greatly before you meet your demise.

Dg - on reflection, this was a bit harsh. I hope you have a nice day.

Domhnall, if you could go back in time and relive each day, would you?

DG - I hope not. But there are some I'd like to have again. LIfe is so beautiful sometimes, it makes you want to cry.

Howya guys ! Everything alright? Showed my boss the trailer at work and he asked “did this really happen?” So, question is - is this movie based on a real story? (I know, novel by Sarah Waters, read it, brilliant! But told Boss I would ask you this question, sorry about that.)

DG - it's based, I believe, on nothing but Sarah Water's brilliant mind. Your boss may need a break.

Hi Domhnall,

among some circles there are lively discussions concerning your character Dr. Faraday and a lot of people consider him queer-coded. Would you agree with that assessment or did you have another approach to the character?

DG - I'll be honest, and say that's not something that crossed my mind.

How was it to work with dog talent on set? Was it a good boy?

DG - Fern was amazing, and female.

What book inspires you in your life?

DG - Let the Great World Spin was good. Book of Evidence was amazing. The Outsider is fabulous.

Hi Lenny and Domhnall!

2 quick questions for Domhnall. Firstly, was it you I saw crossing the road towards Leinster House at the start of summer? If yes, I'm sorry for staring quizzically at you like a gowl. If no, ignore the question.

Secondly, you did some amazing comedy skits with Immaturity for Charity and Your Bad Self. Is it likely that we'll see more collaborative comedy like this from you in the future?

DG - I don't know about question one, it may have been. If you stared at me quizzically, you are forgiven. But never do it again. Or I will haunt your nightmares.

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Question two - I'd love to. I write sketches with my friend Michael Moloney, we have a couple hundred at this point and just looking for the right outlet. Some day!

Hello Lenny, your work on “Frank” was outstanding! What draws you to stories about eccentric characters? From the trailer, “Little Stranger” appears to deal with many outcasts.

LA: It's hard to say what it is because I've always been fascinated and moved by odd, lonely, eccentric people ever since I was a kid.

LA: I think we are all of us, at least in some aspects of our lives, terribly uncertain and separate, so there is something of all of us in these characters.

Lenny, after Emma Donohue adapted Room to a stage play would you have any interest in adapting any of your scripts, or directing for stage in general?

Domhnall, similar question, but any plans to act on an Irish stage again in the foreseeable future?

LA: A Frank musical, perhaps.

DG - I'd love to. Finding the right thing after the Walworth Farce is very hard. It's a masterpiece.

Both you guys have worked on so many genres of film. Is there any genre of movie you would like to work on that you haven't yet?

LA: I've always fancied making a Western.

What is the best advice you've been given?

LA: Be kind.

DG - Agreed

Questions for Domhnall: which character has been your favourite to play so far? And how do you prepare for each role? Thanks x

DG - I loved Faraday in Little Stranger. I just loved the journey. I think it's my favourite. I prepare for each one differently, usually the character lets you know what he needs. Lenny on this was the main guide and the dialect coach Joan Washington was a massive help also.

Hi Lenny and Domhnall, huge fan of your work.

I was wondering have you found being Irish to be a benefit or hindrance when navigating the film industry? I've always felt it's been useful for me because of our nation's reputation as storytellers.

However, I get the impression that to be really taken seriously, it's required that you eventually move beyond into the British or American film scene.

Thanks for taking the time to do this!

LA: I've always found people to be very positive about it in Britain and in the States and I've managed to stay living in Dublin but still work abroad which is kind of best of both worlds.

Lenny, you said you wanted to adapt 'The Little Stranger' after reading the first page, what did this book have so early that other books don't?

A combination of atmosphere and richness of character, and it just kept getting more and more interesting the further into it I got. And Faraday - he's such and odd and sad, and strange character. I couldn't forget him and wanted to understand him.

Domhnall, have you ever graced the door of Coppers?

DG -I'm Irish, of course I have.

Question to both - what's the best film you've seen this year?

LA: I liked BlackkKlansman a lot, and there's a film called 'Michael Inside' from Ireland which I hope gets seen widely because it's excellent, but Loveless, the Russian film is the one that hit me hardest.

Favorite on set snack?

LA: Everything

Domhnall, you absolut legend, What's the more important thing you've learned from making the TLS?

DG - always work with Lenny when you get the chance

would you rather fight 100 duck sized horses or 1 horse sized duck? why?

Let's not shy away from a challenge - I want to fight 100 horse sized ducks.

We talked about this at the beginning...? LA Or DG? Or teamwork?

DG - Jesus Christ, Lenny. I mean, bloody hell. How many TIMES?!

Whoops - that was me, obviously.

Hi lads! Lenny: Obviously the script is very important in a film. But to what extent does casting affect the end product in films when you are directing? Does it differ for other Directors?

Domhnall: Is The Little Stranger the type of film genre you would like to do more of in the future? Does the process differ much as an Actor from making more conventional 'Hollywood' movies?

Cheers lads!

Choosing cast is the single biggest decision, and I'd think that's how most directors feel.

How did u become a director?

I started making things on video when I was a student (not studying film) and just kept going. At the beginning I really didn't know if it would lead anywhere.

So excited to see tls at the curzon Mayfair screening/q&a later on! How do you guys feel about the response the film has been getting? (Domhnall are you at the q&a? Irish film fest had you on their listing but you weren’t on the cinema’s one. Either way excited!!)

LA: I've been happy that reviewers seem to get what we were trying to do.

Domhnall, I was wondering if you’ve seen your father in both In Bruges and Mr.Mercedes. If so, did you enjoy them both?

Also one of my teachers was an extra in the dance in Brooklyn, we slagged him when we found out and I thought you were brilliant

P.S Lenny don’t forget the LA!

Thanks, I won't.

Hi, will it be possible to see The Little Stranger in Poland?

DG- Yes, I believe so! Universal would be in charge of that release. Soon, hopefully.

Can I ask you, have you ever been in the Czech Republic?

Dg - Sure, you can ask.

LA: I made some commercials in Prague years ago. It's beautiful.

For Lenny: What's your favourite David Rice book?

I don't know him. What should I read first?

Oops! I was under the impression you were friends with David Rice the author since you were at one of his book launches, maybe I'm mixed up

Sorry - of course. I love the one he just did about Reinisch. He's also the loveliest man.